Cultural Commentary

A broad category for artworks that comment on various aspects of contemporary culture, often quite critically, as in works that focus on the misdeeds of political figures, the imperial actions of governments, or global economic inequalities. The 19th century French artist Honoré Daumier, dubbed the “Michelangelo of caricature,” is most often associated with cultural commentary in art. He satirized France’s bourgeoisie and justice system, and grotesquely caricatured government officials, which endeared him to the public, but also landed him six months in prison.