Artwork

Danger de se trouver au milieu d'une course au clocher

Danger de se trouver au milieu d'une course au clocher, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1845
Danger de se trouver au milieu d'une course au clocher, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1845

Danger de se trouver au milieu d'une course au clocher is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'Danger de se trouver au milieu d'une course au clocher' depicts a tumultuous rural scene where a group of pigs wreak havoc, conveying dynamic energy through the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The subject revolves around unruly pigs in a rustic setting, suggesting a commentary on chaos or uncontrolled behavior, though the specific intent remains interpretative.

Technique & Style

Daumier employs precise line work and nuanced shading in this lithograph, showcasing his mastery of the medium by effectively capturing animated movement and texture with simplicity.

Context

Created in the context of 19th-century French lithography, the work reflects Daumier's ability to use the medium for both artistic expression and potential social commentary.

Legacy

While not widely contextualized here, the piece contributes to Daumier's broader legacy as a lithographer capable of conveying complex themes and energies through deceptively simple techniques.

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.