Zaïre c. 19th century

"Zaïre," a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, is a caricature that depicts two figures from Voltaire’s play, "Zaïre." The image captures a moment of dramatic tension between Orosmane and Zaïre, with Orosmane pointing a document towards Zaïre’s face, perhaps revealing a secret that will lead to tragedy. Daumier’s distinct style emphasizes the characters' expressions with exaggerated features and bold lines. This satirical artwork reflects the artist’s fascination with human nature and his ability to capture social commentary through the medium of caricature.