Centaur Carrying Off a Woman

Daumier employs a fluid pen line to define the muscular form of the centaur and the startled posture of the woman, while a subtle wash over crayon adds tonal depth and atmosphere. The drawing’s brisk, gestural strokes and exaggerated anatomy echo the caricatural style he developed for periodicals such as *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*.

The work originates from a prolific phase in Daumier’s career when he regularly supplied illustrations to satirical newspapers. Although specific ownership records are sparse, the drawing reflects the artist’s engagement with print media and his reputation as a commentator on French political and social life during the mid‑19th century.