Artwork

La Carotte de l'élection

La Carotte de l'élection, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844
La Carotte de l'élection, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844

La Carotte de l'élection is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

La Carotte de l'élection is a 1844 lithograph on newsprint by Honoré Daumier, a prominent printmaker known for his satirical works.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a well-dressed man offering something to a group of rough-looking individuals, possibly commenting on electoral bribery or favors. The title, translating to 'The Electoral Carrot,' supports this interpretation, suggesting the use of incentives to influence voters.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed lithography to create the work, using quick, sketchy lines to convey movement and emotion. The print's style is characterized by exaggerated visual humor, typical of Daumier's satirical approach.

Context

La Carotte de l'élection reflects Daumier's engagement with political satire during the July Monarchy and Second Republic. He worked primarily for satirical newspapers, critiquing the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy from a republican democratic perspective.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.