Mr. Vieux-Niais, plate 278 from Célébrités de la Caricature 1833

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, plate 278 from Célébrités de la Caricature. Daumier worked in France during a time of immense social change, from the rise of the bourgeoisie to the revolutions of 1830 and 1848. Here, we see a drawing of an older man, head bowed, hands deep in his pockets. Daumier exaggerates the man’s features, giving him an almost clownish appearance which was typical of caricature at the time. The caption ‘Mr. Vieux-Niais’ translates to ‘old fool,’ which could speak to the artist's commentary on social hierarchy at the time. Daumier was committed to depicting the lives of everyday people and critiquing the French bourgeoisie. Daumier used his artistic platform to address the lives of ordinary people. The artist was once quoted as saying "It is necessary to be of one's time." This print highlights the artist’s talent for capturing the nuances of human character and holding a mirror up to society.