-
Robert Macaire Dentiste
Daumier, born 1808 - died 1879 - Enlarge image
Robert Macaire Dentiste
- Object:
Print
- Place of origin:
France (probably, printed)
- Date:
1837 (printed)
- Artist/Maker:
Daumier, born 1808 - died 1879 (artist)
Bouvenne, Edward (water-colourist) - Materials and Techniques:
Lithograph
- Credit Line:
Purchased through the Julie and Robert Breckman Print Fund
- Museum number:
E.831-2002
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D, case ES, shelf 131
This print by Honoré Daumier is from a series of lithographs that show the character Robert Macaire in a variety of guises. Macaire, originally a character in a play, is a swindler who takes on a number of professions such as journalist, librarian and so on, always ruthlessly pursuing personal gain. Macaire's character symbolised the mood in France at the time of the July Monarchy of the 1830s and 1840s, when wealthy financiers and company owners dominated politics and looked after their own interests at the expense of others. In this print, Macaire is in the guise of a dentist. This print was a working document, coloured by the artist and printer Edward Bouvenne, that was to provide an example for other colourists to follow.
