Who painted Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent?

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1849.

Where can I see Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent?

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent?

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent

Honoré Daumier , 1849

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent, a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from 1849, is a satirical commentary on the political climate of mid-19th century France, critiquing hypocrisy through caricature.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a calm, giant female figure (symbolizing the République Française, as indicated by her sign) being lifted by a crowd of rough, determined men. This contrast highlights the tension between the ideal of the French Republic and the struggles of its supporters.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithograph, a medium Daumier often used for satirical works published in journals like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*, the piece showcases his characteristic use of caricature to convey sharp social and political critique.

History & Provenance

Created in 1849, during a period of frequent contributions by Daumier to satirical publications, reflecting his republican democratic leanings and critique of the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Context

Emerging from a tumultuous political period in France, the work encapsulates Daumier's republican voice, using satire to address the disconnect between political ideals and reality.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent* are not highlighted here, Daumier's overall body of satirical lithographs significantly influenced the development of political caricature and social commentary in art.

Artist & collection

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.