Verses for the Portrait of M. Honore Daumier
Verses for the Portrait of M. Honore Daumier - meaning Summary
Satire Redeemed by Kindness
This poem praises Honoré Daumier’s satirical art for exposing human folly without cruelty. Baudelaire contrasts Daumier’s kindly, instructive laughter with the cold, malign mirth of demonic figures. The speaker presents satire as moral and humane: it corrects and amuses rather than mocks for spite. Overall the poem honors Daumier’s artistic subtlety and generous character, framing his ridicule as compassionate insight rather than corrosive scorn.
Read Complete AnalysesHe whose portrait we offer you, Whose art subtler than all others, Teaches us to laugh at ourselves, He is a sage, gentle reader. He's a satirist, a scoffer; But the power with which he paints Evil and his retinue Attests the beauty of his heart. His laughter is not the grimace Of Melmoth or of Mephisto Under Alecto's torch which burns them But makes our blood run cold. Their laughter, alas! is only A sad caricature of mirth; His radiates, hearty and free, Like a symbol of his goodness! The man whose image this presents, In art more subtle than the rest, Teaches us sagely, as is best, To chuckle at our own expense. In mockery he stands apart. His energy defies an equal In painting Evil and its sequel - Which proves the beauty of his heart - Melmoth or Mephostopheles, His mirth has naught akin to theirs. The flambeau of Alecto flares To singe them, while it makes us freeze. Their merriment they come to rue So steeped in treachery and guile, While his frank radiating smile Declares him to be good and true. Translated by - Roy Campbell
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