French · 1808–1879
- Life
- 1808–1879
- Birthplace
- Marseille, France
- Periods
- Realism
18081879
Daumier was the greatest French caricaturist of the nineteenth century, producing more than four thousand for newspapers that mocked politicians, lawyers and the bourgeoisie. In 1832 he was jailed for six months for drawing King Louis Philippe as a gluttonous giant.
His paintings, of washerwomen, travellers and ordinary people, were little known in his lifetime; with their rough, vigorous handling they are seen as forerunners of Realism. Nearly blind and poor in old age, he was given a house by his friend Corot.
