Artwork
P.J. David D'Angers
P.J. David D'Angers is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This lithograph by Honoré Daumier is a portrait of the sculptor P.J. David D'Angers. The print showcases Daumier's ability to capture the personality of his subject through exaggerated features and confident pose.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is depicted with a large mustache and oversized features, conveying a sense of pride and confidence. Daumier's use of satire and caricature suggests a critique of societal figures, while also capturing the essence of D'Angers' personality.
Technique & Style
Bold lines and distortion characterize the print, creating a sense of pride and silliness simultaneously. Daumier's lithographic technique is marked by sharp, confident lines, distinct from the softer etchings of artists like Rembrandt.
Context
This print is one of many produced by Daumier for publication in newspapers, often mocking politicians and wealthy individuals. The personal touch in this portrait, evident in the subject's smirk, sets it apart from Daumier's more overtly satirical works.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
