Ne l'effraye pas Eudoxie...

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier's *Ne l'effraye pas Eudoxie...* (1846) is a captivating lithograph that exemplifies the artist's mastery of satirical printmaking. Measuring 9 7/8 x 8 15/16 inches, this work captures a humorous domestic moment—likely a lighthearted family scene where one figure reassures "Eudoxie" not to be frightened. Daumier, a prolific French caricaturist, produced thousands of such images during the July Monarchy, often published in journals like *Le Charivari* to critique bourgeois society. Lithography was Daumier's preferred medium, allowing for bold lines, expressive faces, and rapid production that reached wide audiences. This technique's greasy crayon on stone enabled rich tonal contrasts and dynamic compositions, making his social commentary accessible and impactful. In 1846, amid political tensions in France, Daumier's works poked fun at everyday hypocrisies, blending realism with caricature in the Romantic tradition. Part of the Corcoran Collection at the National Gallery of Art (gift of Dr. Armand Hammer), this print highlights Daumier's enduring legacy as a chronicler of 19th-century life. Visitors will appreciate its witty charm and technical brilliance, a window into the era's cultural pulse.

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...