Artwork

Les russes encourageant l'agriculture

Les russes encourageant l'agriculture, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854
Les russes encourageant l'agriculture, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854

Les russes encourageant l'agriculture is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les russes encourageant l'agriculture is a lithograph print by Honoré Daumier, depicting a satirical agricultural scene with three prominently featured figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print satirically portrays three elongated, caricatured figures engaged in farming activities - two pulling a plow and one riding a horse with an agricultural tool, emphasizing the absurdity through exaggerated postures and expressions.

Technique & Style

Daumier employs a minimalist landscape backdrop, focusing attention on the figures' comedic, distorted forms, characteristic of his satirical approach, with bold lines and simplified surroundings.

Context

Created as a lithograph, the work aligns with Daumier's use of the medium for social commentary, suggesting it was likely produced for widespread dissemination and critique of contemporary societal norms.

Legacy

This work reflects Daumier's influence in 19th-century French caricature and social satire, with its themes and style contributing to his reputation as a keen observer of human folly.

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.