Artwork

Monsieur... Monsieur, v'la vot' mouchoir

Monsieur... Monsieur, v'la vot' mouchoir, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1842
Monsieur... Monsieur, v'la vot' mouchoir, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1842

Monsieur... Monsieur, v'la vot' mouchoir is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier's 1842 lithograph *Monsieur... Monsieur, v'la vot' mouchoir* exemplifies his satirical approach as a 19th-century printmaker and caricaturist, characterized by humorous critiques of French society.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts a man offering a handkerchief to a woman, both anonymized by attire. The scene's humor and exaggerated features typify Daumier's method of addressing contemporary social issues through subtle, everyday scenarios.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white with quick, scratchy lines, the lithograph showcases Daumier's bold, expressive style. The high contrast between lines and negative space imbues the moment with dynamism.

History & Provenance

Created for mass circulation, likely in publications such as *La Caricature* or *Le Charivari*, this work reflects Daumier's prolific output of socially conscious prints during the mid-19th century. Current location: National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Context

Produced during a period of social and political upheaval in France, the lithograph aligns with Daumier's broader critique of societal norms, though its specific target remains ambiguous, inviting interpretation.

Legacy

This lithograph represents a quintessential example of Daumier's contribution to the development of satirical printmaking, influencing future generations with its blend of social commentary and accessible, humorous storytelling.

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.