Karikatuur van Achille, comte Baraguay d'Hilliers 1849

Curator: Look at the almost comical arrogance in Daumier’s portrayal! This lithograph from 1849, entitled "Karikatuur van Achille, comte Baraguay d'Hilliers," is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you initially about it? Editor: The exaggerated features certainly jump out! That enormous head balanced precariously on a somewhat diminutive body. There's a power dynamic being visualized here, where the character almost looks too grand for the space he inhabits. I wonder if it serves to emphasize class or intellectual divides during that historical moment. Curator: Indeed, Daumier's caricature isn’t just whimsical. Achille Baraguay d'Hilliers was a prominent political figure, and this image critiques the power structures he represented. Consider the Realism movement Daumier aligned himself with and how he captured the bourgeoisie. Editor: Right. The lithograph allows us to understand his image within the socio-political struggles of the time, how class and power dynamics are being made visible, but perhaps even amplified, to further challenge the norms and accepted behaviors. The setting reinforces this sense of established authority. Curator: Note also how his posture is depicted – the crossed arms, the slight lean forward. He embodies a sense of entitlement. Daumier's focus was often on exposing what he perceived as the hypocrisy and vanity of the political class, especially their campaign for "la grande bataille électorale." Editor: I wonder about Daumier's access and motivations when portraying this powerful figure. What personal opinions might have filtered through his art that could impact the audience's perception, even subconsciously? And further, if that representation played into any narratives around identity during this period? Curator: Daumier uses art as social commentary. Considering this lithograph within the broader context of French history and the 1848 Revolution reveals more of its depth. The artwork encourages an investigation into political identities and roles. Editor: For me, this piece makes us question what characteristics we see in individuals who yield substantial power or how images and archetypes reflect or perpetuate discriminatory behaviors. It makes me contemplate our cultural past, what our present reality is, and our envisioned future through identity and power.