“The Legislative Belly” is an artwork by Honore Daumier, dating back to 1834. This piece is crafted through the medium of lithography and embodies the Realist art movement, while the genre it exemplifies is that of caricature. As characteristic of Daumier’s work, this piece employs satire to offer a critical perspective on its subject.
The artwork presents a group of men who occupy an enclosed, semicircular space, reminiscent of a legislative assembly. These persons are depicted in an exaggerated and caricatural manner, with each individual conveying distinctively lavish or pompous features that convey a sense of mockery or disapproval towards their status. Their facial expressions range from bored and disinterested to actively engaged in conversation, with some displaying smug or indifferent attitudes. The figures are placed in rows that ascend away from the viewer, enhancing the artwork’s depth and the hierarchical significance of this arrangement. The title, “BANQUIERS MINISTRES” suggests a fusion of finance and governance, which further frames the depicted individuals as subjects of scrutiny in the socio-political context of their time. The artwork is signed by Daumier, whose signature resides conspicuously in the lower right corner of the depiction, asserting the artist’s association with the satirical content and his critique of the legislative body.
