Unknown, Pierre Louis, Count Roederer 

This expressive bust of Pierre Louis, Count Roederer was created by Honoré Daumier in the 19th century, using humble materials – unfired clay, with traces of paint. The raw clay gives the sculpture a direct, unpretentious quality. Daumier's fingerprints are all over this work, and in many ways, the sculpture comes across as an unvarnished character study. You can see how he has manipulated the material to exaggerate Roederer’s features: the furrowed brow, pursed lips, and haughty expression. The rapid, unrefined method also gives the sculpture a certain energy and immediacy. Daumier was a master of caricature, and his choice of clay allowed him to quickly capture the essence of his subjects. In his hands, the rough, earthy material becomes a tool for social commentary. He elevates the tradition of ceramics beyond mere decoration, infusing it with social and political commentary. It is a powerful reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected materials, and that the process of making is just as important as the final product.