Magot de la Chine

Honoré Daumier

1834

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

About this work

This drawing shows a big, round-faced figure sitting cross-legged on a cushion. The figure has a huge belly, small eyes, and a big smile. Its hands rest on its knees, and it wears a loose robe that drapes over its lap. The title *Magot de la Chine* hints this might be a playful take on a Chinese figure, but Daumier drew it to mock someone in power. The artist used sharp lines and shading to make the face look exaggerated and funny. Want to see more? Check out lithography to learn how this print was made.