The artwork titled “Alexandre-Simon Pataille, Magistrate and Deputy” is a sculpture by the artist Honoré Daumier, an eminent figure associated with the Realism art movement. This piece is part of the collection at the Musée d’Orsay located in Paris, France. It embodies the Realist ethos through its depiction of a contemporary figure, characterized by Daumier’s distinctive style.
The artwork is a striking bust portraying a man with an amiable expression. His face is detailed with textured wrinkles, suggesting a visage marked by age and experience. There is a certain liveliness captured in his eyes and the upward curve of his mouth, perhaps indicating a gentle nature or a moment of mirth. His attire, though not elaborately presented, suggests formal wear—a cravat and a coat—which aligns with the attire expected of a magistrate and a deputy of his time. The neutral color palette and the visible manipulation of the material evoke the tactile qualities of the sculpture, drawing attention to the artistry behind the rendition of the subject’s features and clothing. The rough-hewn finish of the sculpture reinforces the Realist commitment to portraying subjects without idealization, emphasizing authenticity over embellishment.
