Exposition Daumier 1934

The 1934 original exhibition poster for "Exposition Daumier," held at the Orangerie des Tuileries and the Bibliothèque Nationale, commemorates the legacy of Honoré Daumier, one of the most celebrated French caricaturists, painters, and sculptors of the 19th century.

This exhibition was a major cultural event, paying homage to Daumier's incisive and often satirical depictions of French society, politics, and human behavior. Organized under the auspices of prominent cultural institutions, it brought together a significant collection of his works, spanning his masterful lithographs, paintings, and sculptures. The event aimed to highlight Daumier’s role not only as a keen observer of social and political life during turbulent periods such as the July Monarchy and the Second Republic but also as a pioneer in blending art with sharp social commentary.

The exhibition's setting—the Orangerie des Tuileries and the Bibliothèque Nationale—added to its cultural significance. The Orangerie, already associated with France's artistic heritage, provided a grand space for showcasing Daumier’s large-scale works and lithographs. Meanwhile, the Bibliothèque Nationale offered visitors a more intimate view of his lesser-known sketches, political caricatures, and printed works, emphasizing Daumier’s profound influence on both fine arts and the evolution of press illustration in France.

Daumier’s lithographs for newspapers like Le Charivari and La Caricature were prominently featured, illustrating his biting critique of political figures and social hierarchies. These works, often marked by humor and exaggeration, were instrumental in shaping public opinion during a time of political upheaval in France. The exhibition also shed light on Daumier’s painterly endeavors, which, although less commercially successful during his lifetime, revealed a deeply humanistic approach to portraying everyday life, particularly through his empathetic depictions of working-class individuals.

The event highlighted the enduring relevance of his work, presenting him as a timeless figure whose observations on justice, politics, and society continued to resonate with modern audiences in 1934.

This exhibition played a key role in solidifying Honoré Daumier's legacy as one of France's greatest artists and social critics. It was a celebration of his profound artistic contributions and his fearless commitment to exposing the flaws and hypocrisies of the powerful through his art. For collectors and art historians, the poster represents a significant artifact from a pivotal moment in the recognition of Daumier’s enduring impact on art and society.

Original Poster

Exhibition - Realism

Tuileries Orangerie and National Library

Good condition