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Honoré-Victorin Daumier

Monsieur Filochard, ex shopkeeper, retired, feels the need of passing on his bust in marble to even remotest posterity, plate 68 from Les Bons bourgeois

1847
Lithograph in black on white wove paper
25.4 × 20.8 cm (10 × 8.2 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Daumier often poked fun at the French bourgeoisie. Monsieur Filochard, the former shopkeeper seen here, is a member of les bons bourgeois (the good middle class). This print shows him using his newfound leisure time and funds to commission an expensive marble bust in his own likeness. The choice of marble over a painted portrait suggests his intention to flaunt his wealth, if not necessarily his good taste. The bust, despite its unflattering representation, is nonetheless desirable as a symbol of Filochard’s artistic patronage and social aspirations. Daumier was himself a sculptor of many humorous bronze busts.

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