Karikatuur van Horace Sébastiani

1829–1831

First Notable Works in La Silhouette

Daumier's first significant works appeared in La Silhouette, France's first illustrated satirical weekly, published from December 1829 to January 1831.

1831

Publication of the Caricature "Gargantua"

In December 1831 Daumier's caricature of King Louis-Philippe, "Gargantua," was published, bringing him widespread notoriety and criminal prosecution.

1832

Trial for Insulting the King

In February 1832 Daumier stood trial on charges of "inciting hatred and contempt for the government and insulting the king" and was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 500 francs; execution of the sentence was deferred.

1832

Arrest and Imprisonment at Sainte-Pélagie

In August 1832 Daumier was arrested at his parents' apartment and placed in the Sainte-Pélagie prison to serve his six-month sentence; in prison he remained defiant and continued to draw "to spite the government." His imprisonment brought him considerable fame.

1834

Closure of La Caricature; Move to Le Charivari

In 1834 La Caricature collapsed under the weight of the monarchy's prosecutions and fines; Daumier continued working for Philipon's journal Le Charivari, founded in December 1832, where he published scenes from "The Adventures of Robert Macaire" and other series.

1835

The "September Laws" Restricted Press Freedom

After an assassination attempt on Louis-Philippe, the "September Laws" were enacted, imposing harsh fines and prison terms for criticizing the king; Daumier's caricatures softened and turned to satire of the bourgeoisie and everyday Parisian life.