Masks of 1831, 1832
Honoré Daumierexpand_more
Lithographexpand_more
Gift of Mrs. C.C. Bovey, 1924expand_more P.7,957
Not on Viewexpand_more
Charles Philipon, editor and publisher of La Caricature, first took note of the resemblance between the jowly Louis-Philippe and a plump pear, slang in French for a simpleton or a dope. This inspired discovery led to numerous pear-influenced caricatures by Daumier. The ripe pear in the middle of this print symbolizes the king. Surrounding him are fourteen masks representing members of the Legislative Assembly. The risk of being charged with causing offence to the person of the king forced caricaturists to blur or distort Louis-Philippe's features when drawing him as a pear.
Details
- Title
- Masks of 1831
- Artist Life
- 1808–1879
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.7,957
- Provenance
- Sarah Bernhardt, Paris (until d. 1923; her sale, part 2, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, July 23, 1923, part of 27 albums in no. 723). [Weyhe Gallery, New York, until 1924; sold 27 albums, for $600, to Bovey for MIA]; Mrs. Charles C. Bovey, Minneapolis (1924; gave 27 albums to MIA)
- Catalogue Raisonne
- L.D.42, H-D.250
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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