Artwork

Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu...

Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844
Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844

Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu.

About this work

Overview

Monsieur, pardon si je vous gêne un peu... is a 1844 lithograph by French artist Honoré Daumier, known for his work in multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man standing in a room, attempting not to disturb someone, capturing a moment of everyday life with attention to detail. The scene conveys a sense of awkwardness and restraint, reflecting Daumier's interest in the mundane.

Technique & Style

Daumier's use of lithography allowed for a high level of detail, evident in the rendering of the man's pose and the room's furniture, creating a realistic atmosphere.

Context

The work is characteristic of Daumier's satirical style, which often targeted the social and political issues of his time, reflecting his republican democratic views during a period of French political upheaval.

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.