Artwork

Membre... du dix Décembre prenant le la...

Membre... du dix Décembre prenant le la..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1850
Membre... du dix Décembre prenant le la..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1850

Membre... du dix Décembre prenant le la... 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

This 1850 lithograph by Honoré Daumier is a satirical work characteristic of his critical commentary on 19th-century French politics and society.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tense confrontation between two men in a domestic setting, symbolizing Daumier's broader critique of the era's power structures and social tensions.

Technique & Style

Executed in bold lines and expressive shading, the lithograph exemplifies Daumier's ability to convey dramatic emotion through his printmaking technique.

History & Provenance

Created for publication in a newspaper like *La Caricature* or *Le Charivari*, this work aligns with Daumier's republican views, targeting the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Context

Produced during a period of significant political upheaval in France, the lithograph reflects Daumier's ongoing engagement with the country's shifting political landscape.

Legacy

This work contributes to Daumier's legacy as a pioneering satirical artist, influencing future generations with his unflinching social and political commentary.

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.