Artwork

5 heures du soir

5 heures du soir, by Honoré Daumier, crayon, 1839
5 heures du soir, by Honoré Daumier, crayon, 1839

5 heures du soir is a crayon print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

5 heures du soir is a crayon lithograph in black on wove paper, created by French artist Honoré Daumier in 1839. The print captures a chaotic scene, characteristic of Daumier's socially conscious and often satirical body of work.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a disrupted scene with two men in the foreground—one standing with a broken table, the other seated and gesturing—while a woman observes from the background. A dog adds to the turmoil, reflecting Daumier's commentary on social upheaval.

Technique & Style

Executed in dark, muted black tones on wove paper, the lithograph showcases Daumier's mastery of chiaroscuro, enhancing the sense of disorder and emphasizing the emotional intensity of the moment.

History & Provenance

Created during a period of significant social and political change in France (between the 1830 Revolution and the fall of the Second Empire in 1870), this work aligns with Daumier's republican democrat stance, critiquing societal norms through satire.

Context

Part of Daumier's extensive output for publications like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*, *5 heures du soir* reflects his role as a vocal critic of monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy through caricature and printmaking.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's satirical oeuvre, *5 heures du soir* contributes to his enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in 19th-century French art, notable for his political engagement and innovative print techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.