Who painted Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation?

Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1852.

Where can I see Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation?

Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation?

Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation

Honoré Daumier , 1852

Le Beau sexe a l'école de natation is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Beau sexe à l'école de natation is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1852, exemplifying his satirical approach to French societal critique through printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts three women in a humble, dimly lit setting with rough stone walls. The central figure, barefoot and in a flowing dress, is assisted by two others, whose simple, worn attire suggests a modest social status. Their serious, tense expressions convey a sense of solemnity or urgency in their interaction.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed quick, expressive lines to capture movement and emotion, characteristic of his style. The uneven lighting, with shadows accentuating the scene, adds depth. This approach reflects his background in caricature, blending observation with a subtle, humorous undertone.

History & Provenance

Produced during the Second French Empire, this lithograph aligns with Daumier's republican democratic views, critiquing social hierarchies and public behavior. Originally published in satirical journals like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*, its exact provenance since creation is not detailed here.

Context

This work is part of Daumier's broader commentary on class and power dynamics in 19th-century France, using satire to engage with the political and social climate of his time.

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.