Artwork
La France se préparant a passer...

La France se préparant a passer... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. La France se préparant a passer.
About this work
Overview
La France se préparant a passer... is a 1869 lithograph by Honoré Daumier, exemplifying his satirical commentary on French society during the mid-19th century.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene woman on a platform, surrounded by a crowd of emotionally varied men, likely critiquing social hierarchies or political figures under the Second Empire.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic style with meticulous detail, the lithograph on newsprint reflects Daumier's approach to accessible, sharp imagery for a broad audience.
History & Provenance
Created during Daumier's prolific period as a printmaker for publications like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*, the work aligns with his frequent caricatures under the July Monarchy and Second Empire.
Context
While often associated with Impressionism and Realism, this work primarily showcases Daumier's role in mid-19th-century satire, targeting the social and political landscape of France.
Legacy
As part of Daumier's extensive satirical oeuvre, *La France se préparant a passer...* contributes to his lasting impact on political caricature and social commentary in art.
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.



















