Robert Macaire, philanthropist, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
Original title: Plate 2: Robert Macaire, philanthropist, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this color lithograph in 1838, presenting Robert Macaire as the epitome of the cunning charlatan in a satirical farce. The sheet belongs to the 'Caricaturana' series and is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Description
Up front stands a man in a red shirt and white trousers, wearing dark glasses and lecturing with broad gestures. To the side, a second figure in a white shirt and brown trousers leans against a ladder, a paper in his hand. Behind them, several people watch the address, while a large sign on the wall proclaims 'SOCIÉTÉ DU CLYSTÈRE'. Red, white and brown dominate the palette, with greys filling the background; light falls evenly across the surface.
Context
The print was created in 1838 as part of the 'Caricaturana' series, published in the French satirical journal 'Les Robert Macaires'. With Robert Macaire, Daumier caricatured the type of ruthless profiteer and swindler who gained ground during the July Monarchy under King Louis-Philippe. The series took aim at the social and political abuses of those years and was closely watched by the censors.
Impact
Exaggerated gestures and the absurd sign 'SOCIÉTÉ DU CLYSTÈRE' produce an immediately comic, debunking effect. Daumier's line gives the scene an aggressive dynamism that invites a smile while also prompting reflection on the stupidity and greed of the figures shown.
Technique
The color lithograph was printed on wove paper in the fourth of five states. The sharp contours and clearly separated areas of color are characteristic of the lithographic process, in which the drawing is transferred to the stone. This allowed Daumier to circulate his satirical sheets among the public in large numbers.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)