Baron Joseph de Podenas (1782-1851), Deputy 1833

This caricature bust of Baron Joseph de Podenas, a French deputy, is a prime example of Honoré Daumier's satirical style. Created in 1833, the work utilizes exaggeration and a crudely sculpted aesthetic to lampoon the subject. Daumier's sharp wit and keen eye for human foibles are evident in the distorted features and exaggerated expressions of the bust, which are reminiscent of the artist's famous lithographic caricatures. The clay bust highlights Daumier's talent for capturing the essence of his subjects, leaving a lasting impression of Podenas's personality through the artist's distinctive satirical lens.