Artwork
Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil
Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, a printmaker known for his satirical works. The print depicts two military figures in a comedic scene.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph shows two soldiers reacting with exaggerated surprise, their large hats and uniforms emphasized by bold lines. Their comical expressions and postures satirize the military, critiquing its absurdities.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed lithography, a technique allowing for rapid and affordable production of prints. This enabled him to publish satirical works, including this one, in newspapers, using bold black lines to create a striking visual effect.
History & Provenance
The use of lithography allowed Daumier's satirical drawings to reach a wide audience, making officials uneasy with their sharp commentary on military life.
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.
