Two Singers

1848

Sketch "The Republic" Among Competition Finalists

On Courbet's advice, Daumier submitted an oil sketch, "The Republic" (now in the Musée d'Orsay), to the competition for an allegory of the new Republic; it was very well received and was among the twenty finalists, but Daumier never executed the finished painting.

1848

Albums on the Revolution of 1848

The Revolution of 1848 provided the material for two of Daumier's albums, "Parliamentary Idylls" and "The Representatives Represented"; he once again launched a political campaign in the pages of Le Charivari.

1849

First Participation in the Salon

In 1849 Daumier exhibited at the Salon for the first time, showing the painting "The Miller, His Son, and the Donkey"; from the late 1840s he devoted himself increasingly to painting.

from 1853

Summer Trips to Valmondois and Barbizon

From about 1853 Daumier spent the summer months in Valmondois and Barbizon, where Corot, Daubigny, Millet, and Rousseau were working, deepening his friendships with the artists of the Barbizon school.

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.