Auguste-Hilarion, Comte de Kératry c. 1832 - 1930

This is Honore Daumier's 'Auguste-Hilarion, Comte de Kératry,' a bronze sculpture that delves into the depths of human character. The exaggerated features – the wide, almost grotesque smile, the bulging eyes – are not merely a caricature. They are a commentary. Consider the archetype of the "fool" or the "jester," figures present since antiquity. These characters, often depicted with similar exaggerated expressions, serve as societal mirrors, reflecting truths too uncomfortable for direct confrontation. We see echoes of this in Daumier's sculpture. This exaggerated smile is not joyous; it's a mask, perhaps concealing ambition or insecurity. The collective memory of such archetypes imbues this sculpture with a powerful, almost unsettling presence. It is a face that history has taught us to distrust, a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Daumier taps into this deep-seated recognition, creating a work that is as psychologically engaging as it is visually striking. The cyclical nature of these symbols reminds us that human nature, with all its flaws and foibles, remains a constant throughout history.