Cortège du commandant Général des Apothicaires, le prince Lancelot de Tricanule, à son entrée dans la chambre des Pairs, plates 299-300 from La Caricature

Creator Honoré Daumier (French, 1808 - 1879)

Date1833

Mediumlithograph on wove paper

Dimensions36.3 x 55.4 cm (14 5/16 x 21 13/16 in.)
Image: 30.1 x 50.6 cm (11 7/8 x 19 15/16 in.)

Credit LineGift of the Trier-Fodor Foundation, 1978

Object number77/195

ProvenanceThis was Daumier’s largest print at the time. It mocks the Conte Lobau, the prideful individual standing immediately behind the drummer in the procession. Marshal Lobau became associated with the syringe for several reasons; caricaturists diagnosed the rotund Marshal as suffering from the inconveniences of swollen pride. Moreover, Lobau frequently utilized fire equipment to disperse political demonstrations. Clearly, the syringe is an apt symbol. However, Daumier takes the metaphor of water one step further. The nickname “le prince Lancelot de Tricanule” alludes to “Lancelot of the Lake” who was raised by a mermaid. In addition, “tricanule” has two appropriate meanings: triple-hose and a threefold dull human being. La Caricature makes remarks on each object being carried by the apothecaries (see p. 178 of La Caricature Catalogue). The syringe, the toilet seat, and the chamber pot are certainly ruthless jabs at Lobau, the worst being the last which here, according to the commentary, represents an ink well used to write compliments to the King. This lithograph is done in the style of J. J. Grandville (1803-1847), a caricaturist who made dozens of prints representing processions.

LocationNot currently on display

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