The hunted hunter, plate 4 from La Chasse

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier's *The Hunted Hunter*, plate 4 from the series *La Chasse* (The Hunt), captures the biting satire for which the French artist was renowned. Created in 1843 as a lithograph on white wove paper, this measures about 9½ by 8⅝ inches and exemplifies Daumier's mastery of the medium. Lithography allowed him to produce affordable, widely circulated images for periodicals like *Le Chariv*, reaching a broad audience with his sharp social commentary during the July Monarchy. In *La Chasse*, Daumier skewers the pretensions of the bourgeoisie and political elite, using hunting as a metaphor for ruthless ambition and reversal of fortunes. Here, the "hunted hunter" embodies irony—a pursuer turned prey—highlighting the precariousness of power in 19th-century France. Daumier's caricatural style, rooted in Realism, features exaggerated expressions, dynamic compositions, and stark black-and-white contrasts that amplify human folly and vulnerability. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this work underscores lithography's role in democratizing art and dissent. Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs in his career, making him a pivotal figure in graphic satire and a voice for the oppressed amid growing political tensions leading to the 1848 Revolution.

About the Artist

Honoré-Victorin Daumier · 1808–1879

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...