caricature de moeurs

Caricature is the exaggerated or distorted portrayal of a person, type, or action, often by emphasizing a prominent feature or substituting animal characteristics. The term originates from the Italian verb caricare, meaning "to load" or "to surcharge" with detail. While often associated with drawings for publication intended for amusement, caricature's roots can be traced to ancient art forms like Egyptian representations and Greek comedy.1

In the 16th century, artists like Pieter Bruegel and Jacques Callot created "comedies of manners," focusing on human foibles and societal groups rather than specific individuals. William Hogarth elevated this form in the 18th century with series like "A Rake's Progress," using social satire to comment on human behavior and societal issues. By the 19th century, particularly in France, caricature became a powerful tool for political and social commentary, with artists like Honoré Daumier using it to critique society and politics.23