Artwork
Après vous ... s'il en reste! ...
Après vous ... s'il en reste! ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier’s 1855 lithograph, titled “Après vous … s’il en reste! …,” presents a compact, satirical tableau. The image is divided between a upright, caricature‑like man clutching a hat and rifle, and a partially visible figure on all fours accompanied by dogs, set against an empty, desolate ground.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of the stern, furrowed‑browed gentleman with the animal‑like posture of the second figure creates a humorous contrast that hints at social imbalance. Daumier’s inclusion of the dogs and the barren setting amplifies the critique of contemporary manners, suggesting a commentary on pretension and survival.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the work showcases Daumier’s characteristic blend of exaggerated line work and subtle shading. The cartoonish rendering of the standing man, combined with the more gestural depiction of the lower figure, reflects the artist’s skill in using the medium’s fluidity to convey both detail and satire.
History & Provenance
Printed in 1855, the lithograph emerged during a prolific period for Daumier when he frequently addressed political and social themes through prints. While specific ownership records are sparse, the piece has circulated among collections of 19th‑century French graphic art and appears in catalogues of Daumier’s print oeuvre.
Context
The mid‑19th century in France was marked by rapid social change and class tension, subjects that Daumier often explored. This work aligns with his broader practice of using everyday scenes and caricature to reflect on the absurdities of contemporary life, employing humor as a vehicle for critique.
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.
