Who painted Le jeudi?

Le jeudi was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1852.

Where can I see Le jeudi?

Le jeudi is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le jeudi?

Le jeudi is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le jeudi

Honoré Daumier , 1852

Le jeudi 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 jeudi is a lithographic print executed by the French artist Honoré Daumier. The image presents a bustling street scene in front of an exhibition entrance, populated by a mixed crowd that includes a gentleman wearing a top hat and a woman standing beside him. Architectural elements and commercial signage frame the figures, offering a snapshot of urban life in mid‑19th‑century France.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of public leisure, where individuals from varied social backgrounds converge at a cultural venue. By juxtaposing the formally dressed man with the accompanying woman against the ordinary passers‑by, Daumier hints at the mingling of classes and the growing accessibility of artistic events during the period.

Technique & Style

Created through the lithographic process, the work relies on the contrast of fine lines and tonal washes characteristic of Daumier’s printmaking. The artist employs a loose yet precise draftsmanship, rendering architectural details and signage with enough clarity to situate the scene while allowing the figures to remain lively and expressive.

Context

Produced in the 1860s, the print reflects the expanding public sphere of Paris, where exhibitions and fairs became focal points of civic life. Daumier, known for his social commentary, frequently depicted contemporary urban gatherings, and this lithograph aligns with his broader interest in documenting the everyday rhythms of the French capital.

Legacy

Le jeudi stands as a representative example of Daumier’s ability to merge observational detail with subtle social critique. The print contributes to the visual record of 19th‑century French public culture and continues to be referenced in studies of lithography and urban representation in art history.

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.