Artwork

Croyant l'apercevoir ...

Croyant l'apercevoir ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857
Croyant l'apercevoir ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857

Croyant l'apercevoir ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Croyant l'apercevoir, a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from 1857, presents an intimate scene in a dimly lit bedroom, featuring two figures in contrasting poses.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork explores themes of mystery and privacy within domestic intimacy. The juxtaposition of a clearly visible sitting figure with a hidden lying figure underscores the coexistence of closeness and secrecy.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, a technique allowing for expressive line work and tonal depth, the piece leverages these qualities to enhance the dramatic contrast between light, shadow, and the figures' emotional states.

History & Provenance

Created in 1857 by Honoré Daumier, a prominent figure in 19th-century French art known for social commentary. Provenance details are not specified in available information.

Context

Part of Daumier's broader oeuvre critiquing and observing mid-19th-century French life, this work reflects the era's societal nuances and the artist's penchant for subtle, yet potent, commentary on human relationships.

Legacy

While specific legacy details for 'Croyant l'apercevoir' are not provided, it contributes to Daumier's recognized influence on subsequent artists in capturing everyday life with depth and nuance.

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.