Honore Daumier

Honore Daumier (1808-1879) was a French print maker, Sculptor, painter and caricaturist. In 1822, at age 14, he began to study drawing with Alexandre Lenoir, who later introduced him to paintings of Rubens and Titian as well as classical sculptures. In 1825, Daumier started working as an assistant to the Lithographer Belliard. This is where he created his first copies of drawings which he done with Louvre. By 1829, Daumier's first lithographs were published in "La silhouette. The following year, he made his first political caricatures but in 1831, the government destroys nearly all existing copies. Over the next few years, Daumier published his first lithograph for" La Caricature " and "The charivari". From 1835, Daumier began making less political linographs as a result of a new law against freedom. Over the following years, his work is published many times in the press. By 1857, Daumier completes lithographs for a project on the "Fables of La Fontaine", he base's them on mainly theatrical scenes. As well as oil paintings and wood cuts,  Damier still continues to produce lithographs. In 1867, Damier starts to introduce political themes again where he continues this for the next couple of years.  In 1879, at age 71,Damier dies. His wife sold all remaining works of art before passing away in 1895.

What I enjoy most about Daumier's work,  is that he is able to add humour through his use of line work and observation. He is able to produce an image, which adds a deep sense of mood by his talented drawing skills. I find his work highly amusing and inspiring,  the facial expressions are fantastic.