Honoré Daumier

Date of Birth: February 26, 1808

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 10, 1879

Biography

Honoré Daumier was a prolific French artist, known for his satirical caricatures, paintings, and sculptures. Born on February 26, 1808, in Marseille, France, Daumier moved to Paris with his family in 1816. He showed an early talent for art and began his career as a lithographer in the 1820s. By the 1830s, Daumier had established himself as a leading caricaturist for various Parisian journals, most notably for “La Caricature” and “Le Charivari.” Daumier’s work often critiqued French society and politics, especially during the tumultuous periods of the July Monarchy and the Second French Empire. His keen eye for social injustice and his ability to convey powerful messages through his art made him a significant figure in the world of political satire. Beyond caricature, Daumier was also an accomplished painter and sculptor, though his work in these mediums was less widely recognized during his lifetime. Despite his success as a satirist, Daumier struggled financially and faced legal troubles due to the provocative nature of his work. He was imprisoned for six months in 1832 for a caricature that depicted King Louis-Philippe as Gargantua. Daumier continued to create art until his death on February 10, 1879, in Valmondois, France. Today, he is celebrated as a master of caricature and a pioneer of modern art.

5 Interesting Facts about Honoré Daumier

1. Daumier was imprisoned for six months in 1832 for his caricature of King Louis-Philippe.

2. He produced over 4,000 lithographs during his lifetime.

3. Daumier is often referred to as the “Michelangelo of Caricature.”

4. He created a series of 36 busts known as “Celebrities of the Juste Milieu,” which satirized prominent figures of the time.

5. Despite his fame, Daumier died in relative poverty and obscurity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Honoré Daumier

1. “One must be of one’s time and paint what one sees.”

2. “Freedom and justice for all are infinitely more to be desired than pedestals for a few.”

3. “I have always tried to render the idea of movement in my works.”

4. “The more one looks at a thing, the less one sees it.”

5. “My ambition is limited to capturing something of the life of my time.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Honoré Daumier did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. It is estimated that his highest net worth did not exceed a modest sum, insufficient to lift him out of financial hardship.