En voila un de jobard! ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, titled 'En voila un de jobard!…', with ink on paper. His caricatures are deeply rooted in the social and political context of 19th-century France. Daumier used his artistic talent to critique the bourgeoisie and political figures of his time, often publishing in satirical journals like "Le Charivari." This particular work is part of a series called 'Proverbes a Maximes'. The series reflects everyday life, social behaviour, and cultural norms in France. The artist mocks a figure of apparent economic substance, reminding us of the greed and materialism that characterised the bourgeoisie during the Industrial Revolution. His figures embody the social dynamics and class tensions that Daumier witnessed in Paris. To fully appreciate Daumier's work, one needs to consider the rich archive of French social history. Newspapers, political pamphlets, and the records of institutions can tell us more about the targets of Daumier’s wit. It is only through the historical record that the true meaning of art comes alive.