L'appel de leurs réserves

Art Historical Context

**L'appel de leurs réserves** (1870) is a poignant print by Honoré Daum, the masterful French caricaturist and chronicler of 19th-century society. amid the turmoil of the Franco-Prussian, this gillotype on newsprint exemplifies Daumier's incisive Realism and satirical edge. As a key figure in the Realist movement, Daum used his prints to skewer political hypocrisy and human folly, often published in newspapers to reach wide audiences. The title, translating to "The Call of Their Reserves," evokes the desperate mobilization of troops during France's siege by Prussian forces, capturing a moment of national crisis. The gillotype process—a photomechanical intaglio technique pioneered by Firmin Gillot—allowed for precise reproduction of Daumier's dynamic drawings on affordable newsprint, making his commentary accessible to the masses. This medium marked an innovative shift from traditional lithography, enabling faster production for timely journalism. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Prints department through the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, the work highlights Daumier's role in shaping public opinion. Daumier's unflinching gaze on war's absurdities reminds us of art's power as social critique. Visitors will appreciate how this modest print packs the punch of a headline, blending sharp observation with empathy for ordinary lives caught in history's grip.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 1810–1879

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (1808-1879) was a prolific French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor whose works offered incisive commentary on the social and political life of 19th-century France. Known as the 'Michelangelo of Caricature,' Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs, 500 paintings, 1,000 drawings, and 100 sculptures during his lifetime. His biting political satire led to his imp...