Artwork
Empedocle recevant... les honneurs divins...
Empedocle recevant... les honneurs divins... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1866 lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicts a chaotic scene centered around a shirtless figure, Empedocle, receiving divine honors. The work is a satirical commentary on power and hypocrisy, characteristic of Daumier's printmaking practice.
Subject & Meaning
The scene parodies Empedocle's receipt of 'divine honors' for cleansing a river, using exaggerated faces and poses to convey a sense of chaos and confusion. The figures surrounding Empedocle appear to be reacting with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism.
Technique & Style
The lithograph features a rough, sketchy style, with faint outlines of buildings or columns in the background. Daumier's use of caricature and exaggeration creates a humorous tone, typical of his satirical works.
Context
Daumier's work was shaped by his republican democratic views and the tumultuous period in France from the 1830 Revolution to the fall of the Second Empire in 1870. His prints often critiqued the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.
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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.
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