Count Antoine-Maurice-Apollinaire d'Argout (1782-1858), Minister and Peer of France 1832

This is a painted clay sculpture of Count Antoine-Maurice-Apollinaire d'Argout, Minister and Peer of France, made by Honoré Daumier. The most striking aspect of this sculpture is the pronounced nose of the Count, a feature that Daumier exaggerates to convey character. Such emphasis on the nose reminds us of the ancient Roman practice of creating portrait busts with exaggerated features to highlight personality traits. Think of the hooked noses in Roman portraiture, often associated with power and authority. Over time, the nose has become a symbol loaded with meanings, from arrogance to curiosity. Daumier's Count d'Argout evokes a kind of silent judgment. This exaggerated feature, rooted in ancient traditions, invites us to consider how we visually perceive and remember those in positions of authority. It's a symbol that cycles through art history, resurfacing with new, yet familiar, emotional weight.