Prin

Art Historical Context

"Prin," a lithograph created on September 9, 1859, by Honoré Daumier in collaboration with Destouches and Aaron Martinet, captures the vibrant world of 19th-century caricature. Printed on newsprint—the second state of two, as cataloged by Delteil—this modest sheet (11 9/16 × 11 11/16 in.) exemplifies Daumier's mastery of lithography, a technique he pioneered for mass-produced social commentary. Daumier, a leading figure in the Romantic Realist movement, produced over 4,000 lithographs for journals like *Le Charivari*, skewering the bourgeoisie, politicians, and everyday life under Napoleon III's Second Empire. Featuring men and women in what was likely a pointed, humorous scene—typical of Daumier's incisive style—the print reflects the era's growing print culture, where affordable newsprint allowed sharp critiques to reach wide audiences despite censorship. Its dynamic lines and expressive forms highlight lithography's strengths: fluid drawing transferred directly from stone, enabling rapid production and tonal depth. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1922, this work from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department offers a window into mid-19th-century France's social satire. Visitors will appreciate how Daumier's keen eye for human folly endures, making "Prin" a witty gem in the history of graphic arts.

About the Artist

Destouches|Aaron Martinet|Honoré Daumier (French|French) · 1808 |1800 –1879 |1900

French, Marseilles 1808–1879 Valmondois|Paris