Merci! Ce monsieur m'invite a chasser ...

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier’s lithograph *Merci! Ce monsieur m'invite a chasser...* (1843) captures a moment of wry social satire, with its title translating to “Thank you! This gentleman me to hunt…” The French artist, a master caricaturist, skewers the pretensions of the bourgeoisie during the July Monarchy under Louis-Philippe. Daier’s expressive figures—a fashionable woman and her suitor—highlight class aspirations and the absurdities of high-society rituals like hunting, a pastime reserved for the elite. As a lithograph, the work exemplifies Daumier’s prowess in this revolutionary printmaking technique, which allowed for bold lines, tonal depth, and mass reproduction. Prints like this were affordable and widely circulated in Parisian journals, amplifying social critique and making art accessible beyond wealthy patrons. Daumier produced thousands of such images, blending realism with caricature to expose hypocrisy. Housed in the National Gallery of Art’s Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. Armand Hammer), this piece reflects 19th-century France’s turbulent social landscape, where rapid industrialization widened divides. Visitors will appreciate Daumier’s sharp wit, inviting reflection on timeless human foibles.

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...