Artwork

Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler ...

Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1850
Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1850

Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler ... 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

'Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler' is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, satirizing the challenges of urban life in 19th-century Paris.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a flooded street scene where Parisians, dressed in contemporary attire, navigate the water on stilts or planks, accompanied by animals. The image ridicules the city's inadequate storm drainage, poking fun at the absurdity of the situation.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed the lithographic technique, characterized by quick, scratchy lines, to create this satirical scene. The expressive lines and spontaneous style effectively convey the chaos and humor in the depicted situation.

Context

The lithograph was created in response to Paris's poor infrastructure, specifically its inadequate drainage system, which led to frequent flooding. The image reflects the city's struggles with urbanization and the resulting challenges faced by its inhabitants.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.