| Frances greatest satirical artist of all time should require very little introduction. Along with Englands Hogarth and Spains Goya, Daumiers wonderful imagery of human foibles and failings is unsurpassed. A master painter and sculptor, Daumier will always be best remembered for his incredible lithographs, particularly those published by Le Charivari from the early 1830s onwards. This was the Golden Age of French satirical art. Such praiseworthy masters as Gavarni, Bourdet and Grandville devoted themselves almost exclusively to this vital artform. Yet nobody, either in that era or since then, has managed to blend brilliant artistry, biting social commentary and pure humour at Daumiers high level. Daumiers lithographs have claimed a huge influence for more than one hundred and fifty years |
