Who painted Lagrange?

Lagrange was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1849.

Where can I see Lagrange?

Lagrange is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lagrange?

Lagrange is associated with Romanticism.

Lagrange by Honoré Daumier (1849) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 1849, *Lagrange* is a lithographic portrait by Honoré Daumier. Executed as a single‑sheet print, it depicts a solitary figure against a neutral, off‑white backdrop. The work belongs to Daumier’s prolific output of satirical images produced for the politically charged press of the July Monarchy and the early Second Republic.

Subject & Meaning

His arms are crossed, his head tipped slightly, and his gaze directed downward, suggesting a moment of private contemplation.

The sitter is rendered with a pronounced nose, shoulder‑length dark hair, and a coat draped over a long‑sleeved shirt. His arms are crossed, his head tipped slightly, and his gaze directed downward, suggesting a moment of private contemplation. While the portrait lacks overt symbolism, its introspective air contrasts with Daumier’s usual overt caricature, inviting viewers to consider the individual’s inner life.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed the lithographic process, drawing directly onto a limestone plate with greasy crayon before printing. The image relies on stark line work and minimal shading, creating a clear silhouette that emphasizes facial features and posture. The plain background and restrained palette focus attention on the figure, reflecting Daumier’s skill in conveying character with economical means.

History & Provenance

*Lagrange* was produced during Daumier’s tenure as a regular contributor to the satirical journals *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*. Though not tied to a specific publication, the print circulated among the period’s politically engaged readership. It later entered public collections, where it is cited as an example of Daumier’s lesser‑known portraiture within his broader political oeuvre.

Context

The lithograph emerged at a time of intense political upheaval in France, when the July Monarchy gave way to the Second Republic. Daumier’s republican sympathies informed much of his work, which often lampooned the aristocracy and clergy. *Lagrange* stands apart as a quieter study, yet it remains embedded in the era’s climate of critique and social observation.

Artist & collection

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.