The Spectators

1858

Serious Illness

In 1858 Daumier suffered a serious illness.

1860

Le Charivari Dropped His Caricatures

After thirty years of continuous work, the popularity of Daumier's caricatures declined, and in 1860 Le Charivari dismissed him from its staff. Years of hardship followed, but also of free time for painting — a period of great productivity and artistic growth.

1863

Departure from the Île Saint-Louis to Montmartre

By 1863 Daumier was selling off his furniture to raise funds; he left the Île Saint-Louis and in 1863–1865 moved through a succession of lodgings in Montmartre, losing touch with many of his friends.

1864

New Contract with Le Charivari

In 1864 Le Charivari offered Daumier a new contract; he returned to caricature to earn a living and found an appreciative public, producing 100 lithographs in a year for an income of 400 francs a month.

1865

Settling in Valmondois

After spending the summer of 1865 in Valmondois with Théodore Rousseau, whose health was failing, Daumier soon left Montmartre for good and rented a small cottage in Valmondois, where he lived for the rest of his life.

c. 1865 – 1866

Onset of Failing Eyesight

Around 1865–1866 Daumier's eyesight began to fail; the condition progressed, though he continued to make drawings and poster sketches as late as 1872 and painted almost until his death.