Artwork
L'Ordre règne à la Jamaique
L'Ordre règne à la Jamaique 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
L'Ordre règne à la Jamaique is a 1866 lithograph on newsprint by Honoré Daumier, a French political caricaturist known for critiquing social and political life in France during the 19th century.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a serene, casually dressed man in a natural landscape, contrasting with the expected turmoil implied by its title, which may satirically comment on perceived social order or complacency.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed bold lines and shading to create depth and texture, characteristic of his Realist approach, effectively conveying the subject's relaxed demeanor.
History & Provenance
Created during Daumier's tenure as a contributor to French newspapers like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*, this work reflects his republican democratic views, though specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Produced in 1866, the piece is part of Daumier's broader critique of French society under the Second Empire, using satire to address political and social issues of his time.
Legacy
As part of Daumier's oeuvre, *L'Ordre règne à la Jamaique* contributes to his legacy as a pioneering political caricaturist, influencing future generations of artists in the use of lithography for social commentary.
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.
