Artwork

Comment se termine ... une conversation conugale

Comment se termine ... une conversation conugale, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1846
Comment se termine ... une conversation conugale, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1846

Comment se termine ... une conversation conugale is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1846 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier's 1846 lithograph, 'Comment se termine ... une conversation conjugale', captures a private moment between a married couple in a domestic setting, conveying the complexities of intimate relationships through subtle visual cues.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph portrays a man and woman in formal attire, yet with relaxed and subtly tense body language, highlighting the nuances and potential discomforts within a marital conversation, blending observation of everyday life with social commentary.

Technique & Style

Daumier's lithographic technique achieves a detailed, nuanced depiction of the couple's interaction, emphasizing the contrast between their formal dress and informal, intimate posture, characteristic of his ability to infuse everyday scenes with depth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1846, the work is a product of Daumier's prolific output during this period, reflecting his interest in depicting middle-class life. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of Daumier's broader oeuvre focusing on 19th-century French middle-class life, this piece contributes to his commentary on the social dynamics of his time, using the privacy of the domestic sphere to explore relational complexities.

Legacy

'Comment se termine ... une conversation conjugale' contributes to Daumier's legacy as an astute observer of human behavior, influencing the depiction of everyday life in art and underscoring the enduring relevance of his social insights.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

Artist

Honoré Daumier

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.