Ma chére, je vous apporte une potiche ...

Art Historical Context

In 1855, French artist Honoré Daumier created *Ma chére, je vous appelle une potiche...* (My dear, I bring you a vase...), a witty lithograph that captures his signature satirical flair. Daumier, a master of the medium, produced thousands of prints for periodicals like *Le Charivari*, using lithography's versatility to blend sharp social observation with expressive line work. This technique allowed for affordable, mass dissemination of his critiques, making art accessible to the public during France's Second Empire under Napoleon III. The title evokes a humorous domestic scene, likely poking fun at bourgeois pretensions or the absurdities of everyday life—hallmarks of Daumier's oeuvre. His caricatures often lampooned the rising middle class, politicians, and theatergoers, reflecting the tensions of mid-19th-century Paris amid rapid industrialization and political censorship. Though subdued compared to his bolder political works, this piece exemplifies his economy of line and exaggerated expressions, which convey volumes of irony in mere strokes. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Corcoran Collection (gift of Dr. Armand Hammer), the lithograph underscores Daumier's enduring legacy as a chronicler of human folly. Visitors will appreciate how it bridges fine art and popular culture, inviting a chuckle while prompting reflection on timeless social vanities.

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...