Mr. Prudhomme: – My son, salute this monument..., from L'Exposition Universelle
Mr. Prudhomme, a character invented by Henri Monnier to symbolize bourgeois complacency and self-satisfaction, doffs his hat and gestures toward the Palais de l'Industrie, the exhibition hall constructed for the Exposition Universelle of 1855. His son mimics his gesture. In the caption, he rattles on about how he could have participated in the exhibition, but his modesty prevented it. This proof was signed and dated by the printer Destouches, indicating that the print would be published exactly as presented in this impression.
Complete translation of the caption:
"Mr. Prudhomme: – My son, salute this monument, which is more than a monument, since it is a bazaar, which is even more than a bazaar, since it is the Palace of Industry…. oh my son, your father also could have exhibited!…. I made models of calligraphy, which, I dare say, would excite the admiration of all genuine connoisseurs, no matter what nationality, but my modesty has prevented me from sending anything to this exhibition…. but it doesn’t matter, always remember, my son, that politeness is the genteel prerogative of well-mannered men."
Complete translation of the caption:
"Mr. Prudhomme: – My son, salute this monument, which is more than a monument, since it is a bazaar, which is even more than a bazaar, since it is the Palace of Industry…. oh my son, your father also could have exhibited!…. I made models of calligraphy, which, I dare say, would excite the admiration of all genuine connoisseurs, no matter what nationality, but my modesty has prevented me from sending anything to this exhibition…. but it doesn’t matter, always remember, my son, that politeness is the genteel prerogative of well-mannered men."
Artwork Details
- Title: Mr. Prudhomme: – My son, salute this monument..., from L'Exposition Universelle
- Series/Portfolio: L'Exposition Universelle
- Artist: Honoré Daumier (French, Marseilles 1808–1879 Valmondois)
- Printer: Destouches (Paris)
- Publisher: Maison Martinet (Paris)
- Date: 1855
- Medium: Lithograph on thin Japan paper; second state of two, proof
- Dimensions: Sheet: 11 × 14 in. (28 × 35.5 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Susan Schulman and Carolyn Bullard, in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2020
- Object Number: 2020.82.3
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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