Hippolyte-Abraham Dubois c. 1832 - 1950

Honoré Daumier created this bronze bust of Hippolyte-Abraham Dubois. Daumier was interested in revealing the inner character of his subjects, and the rough modelling of this piece is crucial to that effect. You can see the marks of the artist's hands all over its surface. This almost aggressive handling of the material gives the bust an immediacy, a sense of unvarnished truth. Daumier originally worked in clay, later casting the sculpture in bronze, an ancient technique that requires both artistic skill and industrial processes. The choice of bronze also elevates the status of the figure portrayed. Note the sharp contrast between the skilled modelling and the rather unflattering, almost satirical portrayal of Dubois. Daumier was known for his caricatures, and this sculptural portrait embodies that sensibility. By carefully considering the materials and the making process, we gain a deeper understanding of Daumier's social commentary, and his challenge to traditional notions of beauty.