Who painted Invention charivarique?

Invention charivarique was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1868.

Where can I see Invention charivarique?

Invention charivarique is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Invention charivarique?

Invention charivarique is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Invention charivarique

Honoré Daumier , 1868

Invention charivarique is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Invention charivarique is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1868, exemplifying his satirical approach to critiquing the social and political landscape of France during the mid-19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a grotesquely exaggerated figure with a clock for a head, accompanied by a bag of money and leaning on a table with a long stick. The 'invention' is ironically described as a cannon that tallies war expenses, symbolizing Daumier's republican stance against the financial burdens and absurdities of war, as well as the corrupting influence of wealth.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed sharp lines and pronounced dark shading in the lithograph, achieving a dual tone that blends humor with seriousness, characteristic of his caricature style as seen in publications like La Caricature and Le Charivari.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, this work falls within Daumier's prolific period of satirical output, targeting the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy. The specific provenance of 'Invention charivarique' is not detailed here, but it aligns with Daumier's broader body of work circulated through journalistic channels.

Context

This piece is set against the backdrop of France's tumultuous period between the 1830 Revolution and the fall of the Second Empire, where Daumier's art served as a vehicle for republican democratic ideals and social commentary.

Legacy

While the specific legacy of 'Invention charivarique' is not elaborated, it contributes to Daumier's overall impact as a pioneering satirical artist, influencing future generations in the use of art for political and social critique.

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.