Artwork

La personne ... demande a monter tout de suite ...

La personne ... demande a monter tout de suite ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1858
La personne ... demande a monter tout de suite ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1858

La personne ... demande a monter tout de suite ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Honoré Daumée’s 1858 lithograph presents a brief street encounter between two men.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumée’s 1858 lithograph presents a brief street encounter between two men. The composition is confined to a narrow vertical space, emphasizing the figures’ gestures and attire. The work is executed in the characteristic black‑and‑white palette of lithography, allowing fine line work to convey texture and movement without the distraction of colour.

Subject & Meaning

One figure, an older gentleman in a long coat, holds a hat and a small bag, suggesting he has just arrived or is about to depart. He engages the younger man, who is absorbed in a newspaper, his posture indicating a moment of interruption. The contrast between the elder’s formal bearing and the youth’s preoccupation hints at differing social roles and everyday communication.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed the lithographic process, drawing directly onto a limestone plate with greasy crayon. The resulting lines vary from delicate hatching to bold strokes, rendering the textures of the coat, hat brim, and paper. The artist’s skillful use of chiaroscuro creates depth, while the simplified background keeps focus on the interaction.

Context

Created during the mid‑nineteenth century, the print reflects Daumier’s interest in urban life and the subtle tensions of public spaces. At a time when newspapers were becoming a primary source of information, the scene captures a fleeting moment of dialogue amid the bustling streets of Paris, illustrating the artist’s ongoing commentary on contemporary society.

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.