Amedee Charles Henri de Noe (Cham) Paintings

Amedee Charles Henri de Noe, widely recognized by his pseudonym Cham, was a notable French caricaturist known for his humorous and satirical illustrations. Born on January 26, 1819, in Paris, he came from an aristocratic background, with his father being a count. Despite his noble lineage, Cham pursued a career in the arts, which was not a typical path for someone of his social standing during that time.

Cham's artistic journey began with studies under Nicolas-Toussaint Charlet, a prominent French lithographer and painter, who was known for his own caricatures and illustrations of military subjects. Under Charlet's guidance, Cham honed his skills and developed a keen eye for the comical aspects of daily life and contemporary society.

Throughout the 19th century, Cham became a prolific contributor to various French humor magazines, such as 'Le Charivari', where he was a contemporary of the renowned caricaturist Honoré Daumier. Cham's work encompassed single-panel cartoons, multi-image stories, and even comic strips, which were a relatively new form of entertainment at the time. His sharp wit and ability to capture the absurdities of the bourgeoisie and political figures made him a popular figure among readers.

Cham's legacy includes a vast body of work that reflects the social and political climate of France during the July Monarchy, the Second Republic, the Second Empire, and into the early years of the Third Republic. His illustrations often provided commentary on the foibles of the aristocracy, the middle class, and the various follies found within French society.

Despite being a nobleman by birth, Cham's work did not shy away from mocking the upper echelons of society, and he was known for his liberal views, which were reflected in his satirical take on the events of his day. His drawings and caricatures remain an important part of the history of French satirical art and continue to be studied for their historical and artistic value.

Amedee Charles Henri de Noe, better known as Cham, passed away on September 6, 1879, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of French caricature. His influence extends to the genres of comic strips and editorial cartoons, and his work remains an insightful and entertaining window into 19th-century French culture and politics.