HONORE DAUMIER
(1808-1879)
On the 26th April 1832 the journal La Caricature had promised its readership a portrait gallery, featuring the celebrities of the ‘juste milieu’ (the middle course in French politics of this period) and decided to have a clay model made for each caricature. Daumier was approached to make these caricature busts and began them in 1832, continuing with the series until August 1835 when La Caricature was closed down. In total he made thirty-six busts, known as ‘Les Parlementaires’ (Members of Parliament) a slightly inaccurate title as only twenty-six ever sat in Parliament. These were made in two groups, as Daumier was arrested and in prison from 27th August 1832 until 27th January 1833. He had complained of this period of incarceration that he worked four times harder than usual, due to the number of people who wanted him to draw their portraits. Although not envisaged when they were commissioned, the portrait busts were developed into full length lithographic portraits by Daumier.
The portrait bust for Baillot, c.1832, (Musée d’Orsay Mus No.RF3478) as with all the series, was made of unfired clay and coloured by hand, and there is also a bronze version. Claude Baillot (1771-1836) had played an active role in the overthrowing of Charles X, and he was later made a Peer of France.
Copyright © Trustees of Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford.
Extract taken from Prints, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery .