Masks of 1831, 1832

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Lithographexpand_more

Gift of Mrs. C.C. Bovey, 1924expand_more  P.7,957

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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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