Jean-Marie Fruchard c. 1832 - 1930

Honoré Daumier created this bronze sculpture, "Jean-Marie Fruchard", capturing a parliamentarian of 19th-century France. Daumier was a keen observer of the political figures of his time, known for his caricatures that critiqued the bourgeoisie and the political elite. The sculpture is a study in physiognomy. It's a face etched with the signs of power and perhaps, corruption. Daumier, deeply affected by the social inequalities of post-revolutionary France, used his art to expose the moral failings he perceived in the ruling class. What does it mean to see a face of power rendered in such an unflattering light? Daumier's work invites us to consider the relationship between political power and personal character. It reminds us of the importance of questioning authority and holding those in power accountable. In its unflinching portrayal, the sculpture resonates with the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.