Artwork
Eh bien, mon cher, vous avez perdu ...
Eh bien, mon cher, vous avez perdu ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier’s 1864 lithograph titled *Eh bien, mon cher, vous avez perdu …* presents a brief, comic confrontation between two robed figures. Executed in the medium of lithography, the image captures a moment of heated dialogue, rendered with loose, exaggerated lines that emphasize the characters’ exaggerated facial features and gestures.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows two men in long robes and tall hats leaning toward one another; one rests a hand on his chin in a pose of exasperation, while the other points a finger, suggesting accusation or rebuttal. A French caption below the scene alludes to a legal‑themed joke about a monetary loss, underscoring Daumier’s satirical take on judicial or bureaucratic absurdities.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed the lithographic process, allowing rapid, gestural drawing directly onto the stone surface. The figures are outlined with bold, uneven strokes, and facial details—large noses, sharp chins—are caricatured for comic effect. This brisk, sketch‑like execution conveys immediacy, as if the viewer witnesses a spontaneous exchange rather than a polished illustration.
Context
Created during the tumultuous years of the French Second Empire, the print reflects Daumier’s republican sympathies and his ongoing critique of institutional authority. His work for satirical journals such as *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari* frequently targeted the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy, using humor to comment on the political instability of the era.
Legacy
While primarily known for his paintings and sculptures, Daumier’s prints remain important documents of 19th‑century French social criticism. This lithograph exemplifies his ability to blend quick visual wit with pointed commentary, contributing to the broader tradition of political caricature that influenced later satirists and graphic artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
