Bas-relief en pain d'épices ... c. 19th century

This satirical illustration, "Bas-relief en pain d'épices ...", by Honoré Daumier, is a caricature of a general's triumphant entry into the city of Reims. The image depicts a general on horseback, with a soldier holding a drum and two other figures, all rendered in the style of a medieval bas-relief. Daumier's use of exaggeration and humor exemplifies his talent for political commentary. The artwork's title reveals that it was created for a gingerbread bas-relief, intended to immortalize the general's arrival. This work is a testament to Daumier's keen observations of French society and his use of caricature to highlight absurdity.