Artwork

Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées

Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854
Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854

Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées 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

Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, dated to 1854. Characterized by expressive, curving lines on a stone-white background, the work blends abstracted natural forms with enigmatic, humanoid figures.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a serene landscape where tree trunks and branches intertwine with tall, hat-adorned figures. The elongated hats, resembling shadows or appendages, add a layer of ambiguity to the integration of human presence within the natural setting.

Technique & Style

Daumier's rapid and loose drawing style is evident, with bold, twisting black lines capturing the dynamism of a Parisian street scene without relying on detailed renderings. This approach imbues the composition with a sense of vitality and speed.

History & Provenance

Created in 1854, specific provenance details for this lithograph are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of Daumier's body of work capturing Parisian life, this lithograph reflects his ability to convey the essence of urban crowds through quick, expressive sketches.

Legacy

As with much of Daumier's oeuvre, 'Croquis pris aux Champs Elysées' contributes to the artist's reputation for innovative, expressive printmaking that prioritizes capturing the spirit of modern life over meticulous detail.

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.