Le nouvel Icare ... c. 19th century

This satirical lithograph, "Le nouvel Icare...", by Honoré Daumier depicts a caricature of a man plummeting from the sky, representing the failed military campaign in the Crimean War. Daumier's sharp wit and masterful line work capture the folly of ambition, referencing the Greek myth of Icarus. The image portrays the French military's fall from grace and their misguided attempts to conquer the East. The text at the bottom of the print, "Le nouvel ICARE ayant voulu trop s'approcher du Soleil de L'ORIENT," emphasizes the theme of overreaching ambition. Daumier's political cartoons were impactful and influential, offering commentary on the political and social issues of his time.