Honoré Daumier Signed Lithograph "Les Gens de Justice"

Item Details

By Hand

A limited edition signed lithograph print on paper titled Les Gens de Justice by Honoré Daumier. This work depicts a man passionately arguing his case in front of three sleeping justices. His speech is written in the text below that reads ‘Oui, on veut dépouiller cet orphelin, que je ne qualifie pas de jeune, puis qu’il a cinquante sept ans, mails il n’en est pas moins orphelin…. je me rassure toute fois, messieurs, car la justice a toujours les yeux ouverts sur toutes les coupables menées !…’ This translates to “Yes, they want to disposses this orphan whom – it is true – I can’t call just a child, for his is 57 years old, but who is none the less an orphan … however – I’m certain of my case, for Justice always keeps her eyes open for intrigues and criminal practices! …” The piece is monogrammed in plate to the lower left and signed in pencil to the lower right margin, and is numbered 291 in an edition of 500. It is presented under glass in a wooden frame with a wire to the verso ready to hang.

Honore Daumier (French, 1808-1879) has been called the ‘Michaelangelo of Caricture.’ His prints, paintings, drawings, and sculptures satirized and criticized all of mid-19th century French society with a particular focus on the bourgeoisie, corruption in law, and ineptitude of the government. Between March 1845 and October 1848 Daumier published his series Les Gens de Justice (The Lawyers) in the satirical periodical Le Charivari. The series consisted of thirty-nine prints, with an additional two that were published elsewhere, and another one that was not published at all. The prints from Les Gens de Justice satirize the daily life of lawyers and judges.

Condition

- glass could be cleaned more thoroughly; light wear to frame finish.

Dimensions

- measures frame; visible image measures 11.75" W. × 8.75″ H.

Item #

17NYC060-172