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Plate 13: Robert Macaire, business agent, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires

Original title: Plate 13: Robert Macaire, business agent, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

1838

Medium

Color lithograph on wove paper; third state of four (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 10 1/16 × 8 1/4 in. (25.6 × 21 cm) Sheet: 13 7/16 × 10 3/16 in. (34.1 × 25.8 cm)

Credit line

Gift of Edwin De T. Bechtel, 1953

kurzbeschreibung

Dating from 1838, Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'Plate 13: Robert Macaire, Business Agent' appeared as part of the 'Caricaturana' series in the publication 'Les Robert Macaires'. The sheet presents a satirical encounter between two central characters. It was executed as a color lithograph on wove paper, in the third of four states according to Delteil.

Description

Two figures dominate the picture: on the left stands a man in a white cap, white shirt with red collar, black waistcoat and red trousers, his arms flung wide. Beside him on the right, a figure in a black top hat, green coat, black collar and black trousers has grabbed the first man's left arm. Behind them a third person in uniform, with hat and cane, waits in front of a row of columns. Strong colors, firm outlines and proportions pushed toward caricature define the sheet.

Context

Daumier used the figure of Robert Macaire as his model of the unscrupulous businessman and swindler of the July Monarchy. From 1836 the 'Caricaturana' series ran in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari'. This lithograph was made in 1838, in a climate of political and social criticism in which Daumier's caricatures denounced the abuses of society.

Impact

Exaggerated faces and gestures give the encounter a comic and at the same time accusing edge. The bright colors and clear layout draw the eye to the interplay of the two figures and underline their peculiar traits.

Technique

The lithograph was printed on wove paper, with the colors applied in several passes. The process yields firm lines and closed areas of color that sharply outline figures and setting. The third of four states according to Delteil shows particular printing characteristics decisive for the quality of this impression.

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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)