Artwork
Au revoir, Ophélia!... ne manquez pas...
Au revoir, Ophélia!... ne manquez pas... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Au revoir, Ophélia!
About this work
Overview
Au revoir, Ophélia!... ne manquez pas... is a lithograph on newsprint created by Honoré Daumier in 1844. It is a characteristic example of his work as a printmaker and caricaturist.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two women on a staircase, one standing and one seated, in a scene that appears to be a farewell. The title suggests a connection to a literary gathering, and the image may be a commentary on contemporary social or cultural events.
Technique & Style
The lithograph is executed in a quick and sketchy style, giving the impression of a snapshot. Daumier's use of visual wit and satire is evident in the image, which is typical of his work as a caricaturist.
History & Provenance
Daumier produced this print for publications such as La Caricature and Le Charivari, which were known for their satirical commentary on French politics and society during a period of upheaval.
Context
The image reflects Daumier's republican democratic views and his tendency to target the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy in his work, although the specific targets of this print are not clear.
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.
Eh! Ben, v'la du propre! ... on dit ...
On dit que les jolies femmes sont ...
Ah!... quelle singulière éducation vous donnez a votre fille?...
Ce Journal trouve mon ouvrage pitoyable...
Votre visite a été bien courte ...
Quand des femmes savent avoir ...
L'Artiste m'a représentée au moment ou j'écris
Et dire que Proudhon ne veut pas ...
C'était un beau cavalier...