Lagrange 1849

Honoré Daumier rendered this lithograph, titled "Lagrange," during a period of significant social and political change in France. Daumier, positioned as a critical observer of Parisian society, often used caricature to comment on the figures and foibles of the French bourgeoisie. Here, we see an exaggerated portrayal of Lagrange, likely a public figure of the time. The exaggerated features—the pronounced nose, flowing hair, and spindly legs—serve to satirize his subject, perhaps critiquing his vanity or perceived lack of substance. Daumier was deeply engaged with the political climate of his time. His caricatures often appeared in journals, making his art accessible to a broad audience. This piece invites us to reflect on how power and status are performed and perceived, and how artists can use satire to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.