Ratapoil

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“Ratapoil” by Honoré Daumier, 1850
Neue Pinakothek
Barer Straße
Munich, March 2004

“The nickname Ratapoil (Skinned Rat) appeared on 12 August, again in Le Charivari. In 1875, it was featured in the Grand Dictionnaire Universel du XIXe siècle where it was defined as a familiar term for a supporter of militarism, and particularly of Napoleonic imperialism. Daumier probably modelled his statuette in March 1851. The volumes are exaggerated, unbalanced, fragile and powerful at the same time, endowing the work with a subversive violence commensurate with the political issue. Along with the exaggeratedly curved posture, the crumpled trousers and frock coat, as a final flourish, he adds a fiendish expression to the face. Although Ratapoil's features do not directly caricature those of the Prince-President, the Imperial whiskers remain an immediately recognisable symbol of the enemy.” (Ratapoil, Google Arts & Culture)