Who painted Ah! Excusez?

Ah! Excusez was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1840.

Where can I see Ah! Excusez?

Ah! Excusez is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ah! Excusez?

Ah! Excusez is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Ah! Excusez?

Museum-quality prints of Ah! Excusez are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Ah! Excusez

Honoré Daumier , 1840

Ah! Excusez is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ah!

About this work

Overview

Ah! Excusez is a lithograph on newsprint created by Honoré Daumier in 1840. The work exemplifies his satirical style, characteristic of his contributions to French publications like La Caricature and Le Charivari during this period.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two men in a cluttered, cramped room, with one figure dramatically holding an oversized, awkward hat while the other appears annoyed or weary. The scene suggests a commentary on social etiquette or absurdity, hinted at by the title's apologetic phrase.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed quick, sketchy lines to convey a sense of immediacy and realism. The lithographic technique on newsprint, typical of his practice, ensured wide dissemination through popular media.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1840, Ah! Excusez reflects Daumier's republican democrat stance, using satire to critique French societal and political norms post-1830 Revolution. Provenance details are not specified.

Context

This work is part of Daumier's broader output of political caricatures, leveraging humor and exaggeration to engage a broad audience in commentary on the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Legacy

Ah! Excusez contributes to Daumier's legacy as a prolific printmaker who effectively used satire in widely circulated media, influencing the reach of political commentary in 19th-century France.

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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.