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The Passport. The foreigner who visits China is subject to an indispensable formality. He receives a scrap of paper on which he writes the age he wishes to reveal, the profession that he is said to perform and the place that he wishes to give as his birthplace. All this is followed by a description which is so indistinct that it applies to everybody. After which, by means of two Francs, the Chinese Government is deemed to guarantee him aid and assistance for one year
Public Domain

Honoré Daumier

The Passport. The foreigner who visits China is subject to an indispensable formality. He receives a scrap of paper on which he writes the age he wishes to reveal, the profession that he is said to perform and the place that he wishes to give as his birthplace. All this is followed by a description which is so indistinct that it applies to everybody. After which, by means of two Francs, the Chinese Government is deemed to guarantee him aid and assistance for one year

1844

Scroll

Honoré Daumier

The Passport. The foreigner who visits China is subject to an indispensable formality. He receives a scrap of paper on which he writes the age he wishes to reveal, the profession that he is said to perform and the place that he wishes to give as his birthplace. All this is followed by a description which is so indistinct that it applies to everybody. After which, by means of two Francs, the Chinese Government is deemed to guarantee him aid and assistance for one year

1844

Physical Qualities Crayon lithograph, Sheet: 235 x 241 mm. (9 1/4 x 9 1/2 in.)
Portfolio/Series Plate 2 from the series "Voyage en Chine"
Credit Line Bequest of Dr. Raymond D. Havens
Object Number 1955.197d

Artist

Honoré Daumier

French, 1808-1879

Meet Honoré Daumier

Explore the Collection Further

Honoré Daumier
Nadar Elevating Photography to Art
1862
Honoré Daumier
Preparing for the baccalaureate. - There are two ways in which you might pass your exams: the first way is to let someone else take your place; the second is to take them yourself. - I would like to take them myself. - Very good!... Do you know Greek? - No. - Latin? - None the more. - Excellent!... Do you know your Math? - Not at all. - What do you know then? - Nothing. - But you've 200 francs? - Of course! - Splendid... You'll be passed next Thursday. - You mean you're going to prepare me in eight days? - What do you think!!!!... It's true that I've taken on the responsibility for your success, but for teaching you... Oh no! Certainly not!!
1837
Charles Maurand and Honoré Daumier
Un Guichet de théatre.
1862
Honoré Daumier
Conscript replacement agency. -There's merchandise an' merchandise! You wan' a common replacement, that'll cost yer only 800 F., but I warn yer, they're all swindlers, crooks who don't stay with their regiment, who skedaddle at the first opportunity and who 'ave ter be retrieved.... Would yer like ter make it 1'500 F., take that speciment, it ain't handsome but it's of good composition and it's got papers... As many as yer like an' it don't flinch from six years' service. - Bertrand (aside): You c'n count on it, civilian!"
1837
Unknown Artist and Honoré Daumier
Croquade Divers
1840
Honoré Daumier
Robert Macaire, business agent. Yesterday I made a mistake when I said that your business is in good shape. It's detestable. The government owes you five hundred thousand francs, it's true, but the debt hasn't been recognized, there's a forfeiture today, you won't have a penny. However, come to think of it, there's Mr. de St. Bertrand, a rich capitalist, an imbecile, sell him your interests for a hundred crowns, that'll be a splendid deal... (aside) and not expensive.
1836
Alfred Prunaire and Honoré Daumier
The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice
c. 1903
Honoré Daumier
Yes Madame, I am with all my available means devout to our August Prince; all I need are some miserable hundred thousand francs to establish his accession to the throne. - And what are your means? - My means! I have plenty of them. I have friends, newspapers, and if the entire Macaire family supports him, never a prince had such a huge army at his service.
1841
Alfred Prunaire and Honoré Daumier
The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice
c. 1903
Honoré Daumier
Delighted to find himself on show, the original takes his wife to the exhibition, and places her before his image to enjoy the opinion of the crowd. - Look, some say, it's the Chinese commissioner Lin! - No, others say, don't you see, it's natural history! - It's... resumes one gentleman in possession of the catalogue, it's the portrait of Mr. D..... insurance broker: - Oh well, with a bonce like that he doesn't need to insure himself, he'll not easily be snatched up. (Madame, his wife, leaves exceedingly flattered)
1842
Alfred Prunaire and Honoré Daumier
The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice
n.d.
Honoré Daumier
Lherbette. Deputy since ages and one of the few lucky ones who can rely on being reelected on the 13th of May. He just succeeds with everything. Only his name is not to his taste. He is also trying to give himself a distinct air.
1849