Artwork

Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ...

Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857
Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857

Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ah!

About this work

Overview

Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ... is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicting a casual conversation between two men on a Parisian street, offering a glimpse into everyday urban life in 19th-century France.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork focuses on the mundane interaction between two ordinary, somewhat disheveled individuals, using their quiet engagement to comment on the social fabric of the time, highlighting Daumier's interest in observing and subtly critiquing everyday societal dynamics.

Technique & Style

Characterized by Daumier's distinctive use of scratchy black lines, the lithograph showcases his ability to capture detailed textures and facial expressions, conveying a sense of realism and immediacy through its monochrome, drawn aesthetic.

History & Provenance

While specific provenance details are not provided, the work is emblematic of Daumier's lithographic output, which frequently targeted societal norms and figures, suggesting its creation aligns with his broader satirical project of the era.

Context

Produced in 19th-century France, this lithograph reflects the artist's penchant for observing and commenting on the lives of common people and the urban experience, situating it within a broader tradition of French social commentary in art.

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.