Messieurs, voici la vérité je suis un petit voleur, mais Mr Macaire en est un grand…
A hand-painted replica of Honoré Daumier’s masterpiece Messieurs, voici la vérité je suis un petit voleur, mais Mr Macaire en est un grand…, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Honoré Daumier's lithograph Messieurs, voici la vérité: je suis un petit voleur, mais Mr Macaire en est un grand… is a satirical artwork created in 1836. This piece is part of Daumier's series of caricatures that critique social and political issues in 19th-century France. The lithograph was published in the French satirical newspaper Le Charivari, which frequently featured Daumier's works.
The artwork depicts a courtroom scene where a small-time thief is seemingly confessing to his crimes while pointing out the larger-scale corruption of another figure, Mr. Macaire. The character of Mr. Macaire, a recurring figure in Daumier's works, represents greed, hypocrisy, and the unscrupulous behavior of the bourgeoisie. Through this juxtaposition, Daumier highlights the disparity in how society views and treats petty criminals versus those who commit more significant but less visible crimes, often protected by their social status or wealth.
Daumier's lithographs, including this one, were created using the lithographic printing technique, which allowed for mass production and wide dissemination of his satirical messages. His works often targeted the injustices of the legal system, the corruption of politicians, and the moral failings of the upper classes. This particular piece reflects Daumier's sharp critique of the legal and social systems of his time, which he saw as favoring the wealthy and powerful while punishing the poor and marginalized.
The series featuring Mr. Macaire was inspired by a popular theatrical character created by playwright Benjamin Antier in the play L'Auberge des Adrets. The character became a symbol of cunning and deceit, which Daumier adapted to comment on contemporary societal issues. By using humor and exaggeration, Daumier's works resonated with the public and contributed to the broader discourse on social reform.
Today, Messieurs, voici la vérité: je suis un petit voleur, mais Mr Macaire en est un grand… is recognized as an example of Daumier's mastery in combining art and social commentary. It is housed in various collections and continues to be studied for its historical and artistic significance.
