The artwork, titled “Count Antoine-Maurice-Apollinaire d’Argout (1782-1858), Minister and Peer of France,” is a clay sculpture crafted by the esteemed artist Honoré Daumier in the year 1832. This piece falls within the Realism movement and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
This meticulously created sculpture captures the visage and upper torso of Count Antoine-Maurice-Apollinaire d’Argout. Daumier has distinctly depicted the count’s prominent features, emphasizing his elongated face, pronounced nose, and high cheekbones. The use of clay allows for a textural variety that adds depth and a lifelike quality to the surface, capturing the nuanced expressions and folds of the subject’s attire. The artwork radiates a sense of dignity and presence, embodying Daumier’s Realist commitment to depicting his subject with authenticity and respect. The muted color palette further enhances the lifelike quality, grounding the sculpture in a realm of palpable reality. This piece stands as a testament to Daumier’s skill and his insightful approach to portraiture.
