Count Francois Dominique Reynaud Montlosier 1832

This is Honoré Daumier's terracotta sculpture, 'Count Francois Dominique Reynaud Montlosier', now housed in the Musée d'Orsay. Note the striking contrast between the roughly textured, dark grey of the Count's coat and the smoother, almost fleshy pink of his face. This juxtaposition creates a sense of tension, highlighting the Count's stern expression. Daumier uses caricature to amplify Montlosier's features, exaggerating his frown and the lines etched into his face. The deep furrows and sharp angles give an impression of a man set in his ways, perhaps even embittered. This is more than just portraiture; it's a commentary on character, a semiotic study rendered in three dimensions. Consider how Daumier's choice of terracotta as a medium contributes to this effect. Its inherent earthiness and malleability allow for a raw, almost primal quality. The sculpture challenges classical notions of beauty and idealization, offering instead a provocative glimpse into the inner life of its subject.