Artwork
La pluie tombe déja comme ça depuis ...
La pluie tombe déja comme ça depuis ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier’s lithograph presents a quiet street scene in which two individuals, each supported by a crutch, walk side by side with a dog. The composition is rendered in a single tone, allowing the viewer to focus on the subtle details of clothing, the texture of the ground, and the gentle movement of the figures across an open, barren space.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures an ordinary moment of conversation between the two crutch‑bound figures, suggesting themes of resilience and daily routine. The presence of the dog adds a companionable element, while the sparse landscape underscores the modest, everyday nature of the encounter.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the print relies on the contrast of dark lines against a light background. Daumier employs angled, brisk strokes that convey a sense of wind or rain, and the monochrome palette heightens the emphasis on texture—particularly the fabric of the garments and the uneven ground.
Context
Created during Daumier’s prolific period of social observation, the lithograph reflects his interest in depicting the lives of ordinary people. The choice of a print medium allowed for wider distribution, aligning with his broader aim of bringing everyday scenes to a public audience.
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.
