Who painted Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête?

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1872.

Where can I see Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête?

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête?

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête

Honoré Daumier , 1872

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This lithograph shows a headless statue in a robe holding a scepter.

This lithograph shows a headless statue in a robe holding a scepter. It stands on a pedestal labeled "MONARCHIE." Below, small figures in suits point and laugh at the absurd sight.

Daumier made this in 1872 to mock power. Kings and leaders often seemed hollow to him. The missing head makes the joke clear—authority can look ridiculous.

This feels like Daumier’s usual sharp humor. Check out more of his work next.

Door: artist: Daumier, Honoré

Overview

Le hic c'est quand il s'agit de lui mettre une tête is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1872, featuring a headless, robed figure on a pedestal, surrounded by onlookers.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts a headless statue, labeled 'MONARCHIE,' holding a scepter, while caricatured figures below react with amusement, critiquing the emptiness and absurdity of authoritarian power.

Technique & Style

Executed in monochrome lithograph, the piece showcases Daumier's characteristic use of stark visuals and satire, emphasizing the contrast between the imposing yet hollow figure and the ridiculing crowd.

History & Provenance

Created in 1872 by Honoré Daumier, the lithograph reflects his longstanding critique of political authority, particularly monarchy, through humorous yet biting social commentary.

Context

This work is emblematic of Daumier's broader satirical oeuvre, which frequently targeted the French monarchy and political establishment, highlighting the perceived disconnect between leadership and the populace.

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.