The artwork titled “Thiers. The Prompter,” created by Honore Daumier in 1870, is an exemplar of the Realism movement. This caricature, measuring 29.7 x 23.4 cm, is housed in the Château de Compiègne in Compiègne, France.
The artwork depicts a prompter situated prominently in a theater setting, partially hidden behind his podium with a large audience in the background. The prompter is characterized by an exaggerated facial expression and a prominent forehead, a typical feature in caricatures to highlight particular traits. He holds a script from which he reads, emphasizing the role of prompting and guidance within a performance. The detailed lines and shading illustrate Daumier’s skill in capturing both individual character and broader social commentary, reflecting the spirit and critical edge of the Realism movement.
