Who painted Le Secret confié au dieu faune?

Le Secret confié au dieu faune was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1850.

Where can I see Le Secret confié au dieu faune?

Le Secret confié au dieu faune is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Secret confié au dieu faune?

Le Secret confié au dieu faune is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le Secret confié au dieu faune

Honoré Daumier , 1850

Le Secret confié au dieu faune 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

Le Secret confié au dieu faune is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1850. Characteristic of his work, this print blends fantasy with everyday elements in a satirical context, reflecting Daumier's penchant for social commentary.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a hybrid, winged creature (half-human, half-goat) floating above a rocky shoreline, engaged with a seashell and a floral garland. Below, small animals and a distant ship add depth. The scene likely critiques hypocrisy or the concealment of truths, though its specific target is not explicitly defined.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the piece features a sketchy, hand-drawn frame with rough lines, suggesting a quick study. This style, facilitated by the lithographic process, enhances the work's playful and spontaneous appearance.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1850, this work aligns with Daumier's period of prolific output for publications like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*. However, specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided.

Context

Within Daumier's oeuvre, *Le Secret confié au dieu faune* sits among numerous satirical works targeting the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy. Its fantasy elements, however, distinguish it from his more overtly political caricatures.

Legacy

While *Le Secret confié au dieu faune* may not be Daumier's most politically overt work, it contributes to the broader appreciation of his versatility in satire, blending the mundane with the fantastical to convey social commentary.

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.