Artwork
Le vrai Fumeur
Le vrai Fumeur is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le vrai Fumeur is a hand-colored lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1836. It is a print that showcases the artist's ability to capture a quiet moment in a simple yet detailed composition.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man sitting and smoking a pipe, lost in thought with a calm expression. The scene may be a humorous or critical portrayal of contemporary society, reflecting Daumier's engagement with social commentary.
Technique & Style
The work features bold lines and hand-coloring, characteristic of lithography, a technique that allows for expressive and detailed renderings. Daumier's use of this medium enabled him to produce works with a strong visual impact.
Context
Daumier was known for his satirical works published in newspapers like La Caricature and Le Charivari, often targeting the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy. Le vrai Fumeur is part of his broader output of socially engaged works.
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.
