Artwork

L'Eau est délicieuse... je t'assure...

L'Eau est délicieuse... je t'assure..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1845
L'Eau est délicieuse... je t'assure..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1845

L'Eau est délicieuse... je t'assure... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. L'Eau est délicieuse.

About this work

Overview

L'Eau est délicieuse... je t'assure... is a 1845 lithograph by Honoré Daumier, a French artist renowned for satirical works critiquing French society. This print exemplifies his use of satire to comment on contemporary social norms.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a woman sipping water from a glass at a table, with an expression of delight. The scene satirically mocks the notion of presenting water as a luxurious beverage, highlighting societal pretensions.

Technique & Style

Created using lithography, a technique allowing for mass production of images, the work showcases Daumier's characteristic caricaturist style, honed from his contributions to publications like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*.

History & Provenance

Produced during a period of prolific output, this lithograph aligns with Daumier's republican and democratic views, targeting societal elites through subtle yet pointed satire.

Context

Emerging post-1830 Revolution and under the Second Empire, the work reflects Daumier's broader critique of French monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy, using everyday scenes to convey political commentary.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to Daumier's overall impact as a pioneering satirical artist, influencing future generations with his socially conscious and politically charged works.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.