47 - Honoré DAUMIER (1808–1879). Publishing contract with AUTOGRAPH SIGNATURE and INITIALS between the publisher Armand DUTACQ and H. DAUMIER, February 2, 1839, 2 pages, large 8vo.

Honoré DAUMIER (1808–1879). Publishing contract with AUTOGRAPH SIGNATURE and INITIALS between the publisher Armand DUTACQ and H. DAUMIER, February 2, 1839, 2 pages, large 8vo. A. DUTACQ, the famous Romantic publisher, wished to “secure for the future the lithographic rights to Daumier’s works,” while Mr. Daumier, for his part, sought to ensure a steady stream of work free from any uncertainty. Daumier agrees to deliver annually, beginning January 1, 1839, “a number of lithographic drawings ranging from a minimum of one hundred to a maximum of two hundred.” Dutacq will own these drawings and may publish them in any manner he sees fit. Daumier agreed to work exclusively for Dutacq; however, should he work for third parties, Dutacq “may demand the delivery of two hundred copies, at a cost net of paper and printing expenses.” Daumier would be paid 50 francs for each lithograph, “using as a benchmark the Robert-Macaire series… *Natural History*, *Caricatures*, and *Drawings of Manners*… ” A penalty of twenty thousand francs is stipulated in the event of a breach of contract. The contract may be terminated in the event of the cessation of publication of *Le Charivari* and in other cases specified. Provenance: Alfred Dupont Collection.