Honoré Daumier – Lithographer Extraordinaire 

17 May – 29 June 2003

Radical and satirical cartoons of early nineteenth century movers and shakers, many published in Le Charivari, the French equivalent of Punch can be seen in this exhibition.

Honoré Daumier was one of the finest lithographer’s of his time and continues to be recognised today for his incredible technical skill in this field of printing. 

Daumier was born in 1808 in Marseilles, he moved to Paris with his family in 1823.  He studied drawing and painting at the Academie Suisse and was apprenticed to the lithographer Belliard for whom he made letterheads and drawings for music sheets. 

After his apprenticeship, he soon became recognised for his views about French politics and in 1831 his opposition to the hypocrisy and bureaucracy of the current regime landed him in jail.

Daumier’s talent for depicting influential characters of the day was insurmountable.  He had the ability to portray people in a way which captured their character and likeness whilst entertaining his viewers.

Exhibitions Officer, Sophie Wilson says, “This exhibition is a must for anyone interested in prints or French history, Daumier is one of the greatest artists of his time, his cartoons make you laugh out loud.”

This exhibition of 40 lithographs is a touring show from the Cuming Museum in South London.

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