Early Life and Career

Honoré-Victorin Daumier, a renowned French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor, was born on February 26, 1808, in Marseille. His father, Jean-Baptiste Louis Daumier, was a glazier with literary aspirations, which led the family to move to Paris in 1814. Daumier's early inclination towards art was evident, but his father initially tried to steer him towards other professions.

Artistic Contributions

Daumier is celebrated for his prolific output, including over 500 paintings, 4000 lithographs, 1000 wood engravings, 1000 drawings, and 100 sculptures. His work offers a commentary on 19th-century French social and political life. Notably, his caricatures of political figures and satires on the behavior of his countrymen have been particularly influential.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

* Voyogeurs appreciant de moins en moins les wagons de troisième classe pendant l'été (Huntington Museum of Art, United States), a satirical piece showcasing Daumier's early taste for censorship and republican politics. * Rue Transnonain, 15 April 1834, a lithograph depicting the massacre in the rue transnoin, part of the April 1834 riots in Paris.

Museums and Collections Featuring Daumier's Work

* Currier Museum of Art (Manchester, United States), featuring a diverse collection of European and American art. * Manly Art Gallery and Museum (Australia), showcasing Australian art, including works by Thomas William Roberts.

• Explore Daumier's artworks on WahooArt
• Learn more about Daumier on Wikipedia
• Discover the Currier Museum of Art's collection on WahooArt

Legacy and Impact

Daumier's innovative use of optical illusions and geometric shapes has influenced generations of artists. His work continues to be celebrated for its commentary on social and political life in 19th-century France. Key Dates: * February 26, 1808: Honoré-Victorin Daumier was born. * 1830: Daumier's artistic career began with producing plates for music publishers and illustrations for advertisements. * February 10, 1879: Daumier passed away.

**A Life of Art and Activism**

Honoré-Victorin Daumier, a French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor, left an indelible mark on the 19th-century art scene. Born in Marseille on February 26, 1808, and passing away in Paris on February 10, 1879, Daumier's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of French society.

**Early Life and Influences**

Daumier's early life was marked by his father's aspirations as a poet, which led the family to move to Paris in 1814. This exposure to the city's vibrant artistic scene at a young age influenced Daumier's inclination towards art. He began his apprenticeship under Alexandre Lenoir and later entered the Académie Suisse.

**Artistic Career**

Daumier's prolific career spanned multiple mediums, including lithography, painting, and sculpture. His early work was characterized by anonymous contributions to publishers, emulating the style of Charlet and displaying a fervent enthusiasm for the Napoleonic legend. Following the 1830 revolution, Daumier's art became more overtly political.

• Le Charivari, a comic journal launched by Charles Philipon, provided a platform for Daumier's satirical work, targeting the bourgeoisie and government incompetence.
• His caricatures of political figures and satires on societal behavior earned him both acclaim and controversy, including a six-month imprisonment in 1832.

**Notable Works and Legacy**

- **Rue Transnonain, 15 April 1834**: A poignant lithograph depicting the massacre in the rue transnoin, part of the April 1834 riots in Paris. - **Les Gens de Justice**: A scathing satire on the legal profession, showcasing Daumier's mastery of caricature. **Daumier's Impact on Art History** Daumier's unwavering commitment to capturing the truth of French society has influenced generations of artists. His work can be found in various museums and collections, including those featured on WahooArt, which offers a comprehensive look at his artistic output.

• Explore Daumier's lithographs and paintings on WahooArt.
• Discover more about French art movements, including Realism, on Wikipedia.

**Conclusion**

Daumier's life was a testament to his unyielding dedication to capturing the essence of French society. Through his art, he continues to inspire and provoke, offering a unique window into 19th-century France.

• Musée d'Orsay in Paris features some of Daumier's restored unbaked clay sculptures.
• Learn more about Daumier's life and work on WahooArt.