Mariage de l'Époque et du Constitutionnel

Art Historical Context

In 1846, French satirical master Honoré Daumier *Mariage de l'É et du Constitutionnel*, lithograph that captures the sharp wit of his caricature style. Daumier, a prolific artist and illustrator for publications like *Le Charivari*, used this medium to produce affordable, widely circulated prints that critiqued the social and political absurdities of the July Mon under King Louis-Philippe. Lithography's greasy crayon technique allowed Daumier to achieve bold lines, expressive distortions, and dynamic compositions, making his works both accessible and impactful for the masses. The title, translating to "Marriage of the Epoch and the Constitutional," slyly mocks the perceived alliance between contemporary politics and *Le Constitutionnel*, a leading liberal newspaper. Amid growing tensions leading to the 1848 Revolution, Daumier lampooned bourgeois hypocrisy, press-government relations, and the era's constitutional pretensions through exaggerated figures in matrimonial bliss—or discord. This piece exemplifies his role as a "people's artist," blending humor with incisive social commentary. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection (Department CG-E), it remains a testament to 19th-century printmaking's power to challenge authority and entertain, inviting visitors to ponder the timeless dance between power and satire.

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...