Artwork
Lannes, duc de Montebello
Lannes, duc de Montebello is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1850, this lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicts the French marshal Jean‑Lannes, duc de Montebello, in a seated pose. Rendered in black‑and‑white, the image presents a dignified figure with a stern gaze, crossed legs, and a composed posture that conveys a sense of controlled authority.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays Lannes, a celebrated military leader of the Napoleonic era, rendered with meticulous facial detail that emphasizes his resolve. Daumier’s choice to present the marshal with an intense stare suggests a subtle commentary on the lingering influence of aristocratic figures in a France increasingly dominated by republican ideals.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithographic print, the image relies on fine line work and strong chiaroscuro to model the subject’s features. Deep incised lines define the forehead and mouth, while contrasts of light and shadow give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence, guiding the viewer’s attention to the expressive eyes.
History & Provenance
The lithograph appeared in the mid‑19th‑century satirical journals La Caricature and Le Charivari, venues through which Daumier regularly critiqued the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy. Its publication reflects the artist’s commitment to republican commentary during a period of intense political debate in France.
Context
Produced at a time when Daumier was establishing himself as a leading political caricaturist, the print aligns with his broader body of work that used portraiture to question social hierarchies. By focusing on a historic noble figure, Daumier juxtaposes past authority with contemporary calls for democratic reform.
Legacy
While not among Daumier’s most widely reproduced images, the lithograph exemplifies his skill in merging precise portraiture with satirical intent. It remains a reference point for scholars examining the intersection of art, politics, and media in mid‑19th‑century France.
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.
