The fascinating worlds of two great 19th-century artists, Honoré de Balzac and Honoré Daumier, intersect in theexhibition Balzac, Daumier and the Parisians: From Human Comedy to Urban Comedy, at the Maison de Balzac from November 22, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Through a rich array of some sixty Daumier engravings, a few of his paintings and excerpts from Balzac's literary work, this exhibition paints a nuanced portrait of Parisian society in their day. What these two artistic geniuses had in common was their ability to observe and reveal the human, social and sometimes - not to say often - humorous traits of their contemporaries.
At a time when journalism, art and literature were frequently intertwined, Balzac and Daumier undoubtedly shared common spaces, from editors to newsrooms. Charles Baudelaire put it nicely, saying that Daumier and other artists were the"auxiliaries and commentators" who complemented Balzac's work. The exhibition highlights the "social species" such as small shopkeepers, employees and other Parisian figures who feature prominently in both La Comédie Humaine and Daumier's etchings. The first part of the exhibition focuses on this fascinating intersection between caricature and literature, and how their work reflects the social and everyday realities of Parisians of their time.
The exhibition doesn't stop at the 19th century, but also incorporates works by contemporary caricaturists and illustrators such as Belom, Coco and Fabrice Erre, to name but a few. This current inclusion illustrates the continuing relevance of Balzac and Daumier 's observations on Parisian society. Whether it's the challenges of urban transportation or the surprises of nightlife, the works on display are a reminder that the perspectives offered by these two artists remain surprisingly relevant today.
It's an opportunity to plunge into a world where literature, art and caricature intersect to offer a profoundly human vision of Parisian society. The tour takes you through works that, although created in a specific context, continue to resonate with today's visitors. Shall we drop by the Maison de Balzac, folks?
Dates and Opening Time
From November 22, 2023 to March 31, 2024
Location
House of Balzac
47, rue Raynouard
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Tarif réduit: €6
Plein tarif: €8
Official website
www.maisondebalzac.paris.fr
More information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
