Who painted (1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion...?

(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion... was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1852.

Where can I see (1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion...?

(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion... is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is (1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion...?

(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion... is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion...

Honoré Daumier , 1852

(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1852, this lithographic print by Honoré Daumier presents a domestic interior populated by three women. The composition is rendered with swift, gestural lines that capture a moment of informal interaction, emphasizing the immediacy of the scene rather than meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a modestly furnished room where the figures engage in a casual exchange—one woman adjusts her attire while another, distinguished by a dark dress, high collar, and spectacles, extends her arms slightly. Daumier’s choice of everyday figures and setting serves as a subtle commentary on the social roles and manners of his time.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the image relies on bold, sketch‑like strokes that convey movement and spontaneity. The artist’s handling of line and shading creates a sense of depth with minimal tonal variation, allowing the figures’ gestures and clothing to appear lively yet unrefined.

Context

Produced during a period of political turbulence in mid‑19th‑century France, the print aligns with Daumier’s broader practice of using humor and observation to critique prevailing institutions. While the scene itself is domestic, its informal tone reflects the artist’s republican sympathies and his habit of exposing the everyday realities beneath official decorum.

Artist & collection

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.