The artwork titled “M. Coste,” created by the esteemed artist Honore Daumier in 1857, is an exemplar of the Realism art movement. This caricature is housed in the Château de Compiègne in Compiègne, France.
In this detailed monochromatic caricature, the figure of a man is depicted leaning forward with a look of intent concentration. The surroundings suggest a natural setting, perhaps near a wooded area or body of water. The man’s attire is formal, with a top hat placed beside him, indicating he has paused in his activity. The intricate line work and shading exemplify Daumier’s skill in capturing not only the physical semblance but also the demeanor and character of the subject, making this piece a poignant and critical look at its subject through the lens of Realism and caricature.
