Masks of 1831, published in La Caricature
March 8, 1832
Medium
Lithograph
Dimensions
sheet: 9 15/16 x 13 3/8 in. (25.3 x 34 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Louise Bechtel, 1958
Accession Number
58.580.1
Tags
About this artwork
Honoré Daumier's lithograph "Masks of 1831," published in La Caricature on March 8, 1832, represents political satire at its most biting and effective. The print depicts fourteen parliamentary delegates from the Chamber of Deputies arranged in three rows, with King Louis-Philippe's face occupying the central position rendered as a pear—a devastating visual pun, as poire was French slang for "moron." This wasn't subtle commentary; it was calculated insult aimed at France's July Monarchy (1830-184...
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...