Magot de la Chine - Honoré Daumier

A detailed 1834 lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicting a Chinese porcelain figure, originally published in the satirical journal La Caricature.

This lithograph, titled Magot de la Chine, was published in the French satirical journal La Caricature in 1834. Honoré Daumier, a master of the medium, depicts a seated porcelain figure of a Chinese deity, often referred to as a magot in nineteenth-century French parlance. The work is part of a series that drew upon objects from the private collection of Charles Philipon, the publisher of La Caricature.

Daumier employs a sophisticated use of light and shadow to render the glossy, rounded surfaces of the ceramic sculpture. The figure is presented in a frontal, seated posture, with a pronounced belly and a serene, slightly mocking expression. The artist captures the texture of the material through careful shading, creating a sense of volume that makes the figure appear three-dimensional against the dark, void-like background. The inclusion of prayer beads and the specific folds of the robes demonstrate Daumier's attention to detail, even when working within the constraints of political and social satire.

During this period, Daumier was deeply involved in the critique of the July Monarchy. While this specific print appears to be a study of an object, it reflects the broader cultural fascination with exoticism and the collection of curiosities that permeated Parisian intellectual circles. The print serves as an example of Daumier's technical proficiency in lithography, a medium he used to reach a wide audience through the press. The stark contrast between the illuminated figure and the deep black background draws the viewer's attention to the physical form of the statue, inviting a close examination of the artist's handling of tone and form. This piece remains a representative example of the graphic output of the 1830s, documenting both the artistic interests of the era and the high standard of printmaking achieved in French satirical publications.