Who painted L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique?

L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1865.

Where can I see L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique?

L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique?

L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique

Honoré Daumier , 1865

L'accordéon, dit soufflet à musique is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier’s lithograph from 1865, titled L’accordéon, dit soufflet à musique, presents a compact interior setting populated by three figures.

Honoré Daumier’s lithograph from 1865, titled L’accordéon, dit soufflet à musique, presents a compact interior setting populated by three figures. The central figure dominates the composition, actively playing an accordion, while the surrounding characters observe the performance. The work captures a moment of informal social gathering, rendered with the artist’s characteristic vigor and attention to everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a casual musical encounter, likely set in a café or similar public space, where the accordion serves as the focal point of interaction. Daumier’s exaggerated facial expressions convey a light‑hearted critique of human foibles, inviting viewers to consider the blend of amusement and subtle social commentary inherent in such communal moments.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on bold, decisive lines that delineate form and gesture with clarity. Daumier’s handling of the medium emphasizes contrast and texture, while his stylized caricature of faces—oversized eyes, pronounced features—enhances the comedic tone without sacrificing the immediacy of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑1860s, this print belongs to a prolific period in Daumier’s career when he produced numerous lithographs documenting Parisian life. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been included in several collections of 19th‑century French prints, reflecting its role in the broader corpus of Daumier’s socially engaged imagery.

Context

Daumier’s output during the 1860s frequently addressed the everyday experiences of the urban middle class, often through satirical lenses. L’accordéon aligns with his interest in music halls and public venues, spaces where performance and social interaction intersected, providing fertile ground for his observations on contemporary manners.

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.