Artwork
Les Parisiens ayant trouvé le moyen de circuler ...

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
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.














