Who painted Soult (Maréchal)?

Soult (Maréchal) was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1832.

Where can I see Soult (Maréchal)?

Soult (Maréchal) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Soult (Maréchal)?

Soult (Maréchal) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Soult (Maréchal)

Honoré Daumier , 1832

Soult (Maréchal) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier's 1832 lithograph *Soult (Maréchal)* is a satirical print from his collection critiquing prominent figures during the July Monarchy. Characteristic of his republican stance, the work targets the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy through visual and textual commentary.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph portrays Marshal Soult with a stern expression, adorned in military attire, including a dark jacket with epaulets and a styled dark hairdo.

The lithograph portrays Marshal Soult with a stern expression, adorned in military attire, including a dark jacket with epaulets and a styled dark hairdo. The inclusion of a coat of arms (a blue shield with a white stripe and cross, enveloped by a dark cape) on a light beige background may symbolize the subject's rank and Daumier's commentary on the perceived excesses or characteristics of the military elite during this period.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the piece leverages the medium's accessibility to reach a broad audience. The style aligns with Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and individualism through the expressive, detailed portrayal of the subject's demeanor and attire.

History & Provenance

Created in 1832 for likely publication in satirical journals like *La Caricature* or *Le Charivari*, where Daumier was a key contributor. The exact provenance of this specific print is not detailed here, reflecting common challenges in tracing individual lithographs from large, commercially distributed sets.

Context

Situated between the 1830 Revolution and the eventual fall of the Second Empire, *Soult (Maréchal)* reflects Daumier's ongoing critique of French societal hierarchies. The print's message would have resonated with a populace seeking reform and challenging the remnants of monarchical power.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's prolific satirical output, *Soult (Maréchal)* contributes to his legacy as a pioneering caricaturist who effectively used lithography to engage the masses in political and social commentary, influencing future generations of artists and satirists.

Artist & collection

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.