Parole d'honneur Mme. Frenouillet...

Art Historical Context

In 1841, French artist Honoré Daumier *Parole d'honneur Mme. Frenouillet... a lively lithograph that captures his signature satirical flair. Daumier, a masteraturist during the July Monarchy, used this print medium to produce affordable, widely circulated images critiquing bourgeois society and politics. Lithography's greasy crayon technique allowed him to achieve bold lines, expressive faces, and dynamic compositions, making his work accessible to the masses through journals like *Le Charivari*. The title, translating to "Word of honor, Mme. Frenouillet...," hints at a humorous domestic or social scene, likely poking fun at middle-class pretensions or marital antics—a recurring Daumier theme. Amid France's turbulent 1840s, with censorship battles over his political cartoons (he was even imprisoned in 1832), this piece reflects his sharp wit in navigating societal norms. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, this print exemplifies Daumier's enduring influence on graphic satire, blending artistry with social commentary. Visitors will appreciate its vivid energy, a window into 19th-century French life.

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...