Who painted On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même?

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1840.

Where can I see On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même?

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même?

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même

Honoré Daumier , 1840

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

On n'est jamais bien servi que par soi-même is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier featuring an anthropomorphic figure with a donkey's head and human body polishing boots in a kitchen setting.

Subject & Meaning

The print conveys the notion of self-reliance, critiquing the expectation of being served by others. The donkey-headed character, with its human hands, humorously illustrates this social commentary.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed lithography to create the piece, characteristic of his work for newspapers. The blend of human and animal traits in the figure is typical of his detailed character design.

History & Provenance

Originally created for publication in a newspaper, the lithograph's specific date and original publication details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects Daumier's use of humor to address social issues prevalent during his time, resonating with audiences through its relatable, albeit oddly presented, domestic scenario.

Legacy

This lithograph exemplifies Daumier's dry wit and social commentary style, directing viewers towards his broader oeuvre for similar thematic and stylistic explorations.

Artist & collection

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.