Caricature of Auguste Vacquerie

The drawing, Caricature of Auguste Vacquerie, executed by Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926) after a design by the photographer Nadar (French, 1820–1910), provides early insight into the great Impressionist’s formative years. Created sometime between 1855 and 1860, this work is executed simply yet effectively in graphite on tan wove paper, showcasing Monet’s youthful skill in line drawing before his dedicated commitment to landscape painting.

The subject, Auguste Vacquerie, was a notable French journalist, writer, and theatrical manager known for his close relationship with Victor Hugo. This drawing belongs to a crucial period when Monet, still a teenager living primarily in Le Havre, was focused on producing caricatures. This practice was both a popular art form in mid-19th century France and a lucrative means of income that funded his early art education.

Monet’s decision to base the Caricature of Auguste Vacquerie on an existing likeness by Nadar, famous for his insightful and often dramatic photographic portraits, suggests that the young artist sought to refine his formal draftsmanship while working with subjects recognizable to the public. The finished piece captures the subject's distinct personality through exaggerated facial features and an emphasis on angular lines, adhering closely to the conventions of 19th-century satirical portraiture. This drawing confirms Monet’s foundational dedication to figurative work before his transition to plein air painting. The work resides within the distinguished collection of drawings and prints at the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing significantly to the understanding of the master’s early career, and ensuring that images of the piece are widely available for study through public domain initiatives.