Charles Henry Verhuel, Count of Sevenaar (?) c. 1832 - 1940

Honoré Daumier, sometime in the 19th century, created this bronze bust, possibly of Charles Henry Verhuel, Count of Sevenaar. Notice how Daumier's rough handling of the bronze gives the work a unique texture and form. The face is far from idealized. The exaggerated features and intense gaze capture something deeper than mere physical resemblance. The deep lines and furrows are not just signs of age, but seem to represent the weight of experience and perhaps the burdens of power. The intentional distortion reflects Daumier's broader concerns about the nature of representation. He wasn't simply trying to replicate reality but to interpret and critique it. In its departure from classical ideals of beauty, the artwork invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture and the way that art can both reflect and challenge social norms. Ultimately, the sculpture is a commentary on the human condition, capturing the complexities and contradictions inherent in individuals.