Artwork
Allons pour année papa mars ...
Allons pour année papa mars ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier’s lithograph titled “Allons pour année papa mars” presents a compact scene in which a solemn, armored figure holds a spear on the left, while a plump, winged Cupid reclines against a tree on the right. The two characters occupy a garden space rendered with soft, leafy shadows, creating a contrast between martial seriousness and playful affection.
Subject & Meaning
The work juxtaposes a classical warrior, dressed in ancient‑style armor and helmet, with the mischievous figure of Cupid, the Roman god of love. This pairing suggests a dialogue between war and love, perhaps commenting on the coexistence of conflict and tenderness within human experience, a theme Daumier explored through satirical and allegorical imagery.
Technique & Style
Created as a lithograph, Daumier drew directly onto a limestone plate with greasy ink, a process that preserves the immediacy of his hand. The resulting lines are bold and sketch‑like, giving the image a raw, unfinished quality that emphasizes spontaneity while still delivering clear, deliberate forms.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the mid‑19th century, a period when Daumier frequently employed lithography to disseminate his observations of society. While specific exhibition or ownership details are scarce, the work remains part of the broader corpus of Daumier’s prints that illustrate his engagement with classical motifs through a contemporary, satirical lens.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
