The artwork titled “Jean-Marie-Joseph Deville” was created by Honore Daumier in 1849. It represents the Realism art movement and is categorized as a caricature. Measuring 32.1 by 23.5 centimeters, the piece currently resides within the prestigious walls of the Château de Compiègne in Compiègne, France.
This artwork portrays a singular figure, presumably Jean-Marie-Joseph Deville, in a caricatural style that is characteristic of Daumier’s work. The subject of the piece is captured with exaggerated facial features and a contemplative, perhaps sardonic, expression, which conveys a potent sense of the individual’s personality and social critique prevalent in Daumier’s caricatures. Despite the distortions intrinsic to the genre of caricature, the sitter’s humanity and Daumier’s critical eye are evident, positioning the viewer to reflect on the socio-political context of the era. The artwork’s shading and deft lines contribute to its dramatic and evocative quality, making it not only an instance of artistic expression but also a document of the time.
