Artwork
Parisiens recevant un grain...
Parisiens recevant un grain... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier's *Parisiens recevant un grain...* (1852) is a lithograph exemplifying his satirical commentary on 19th-century French society, a hallmark of his printmaking career.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts two men on a rocky shore, battling a fierce storm. Through caricature, Daumier critiques societal norms, though the specific targets here are not explicitly clear, leaving interpretation open to the viewer's understanding of his broader oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Daumier employs lithography to convey dynamic energy. Thick, diagonal rain lines and a turbulent sea create a dramatic backdrop, while the contrasting attire of the two figures (top hat and long coat vs. simpler hat and jacket) may subtly underscore social distinctions.
History & Provenance
Created in 1852 for likely publication in a satirical journal like *La Caricature* or *Le Charivari*, aligning with Daumier's practice of producing socially conscious works for these outlets. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
This work reflects Daumier's republican sympathies, using satire to engage with the political and social climate of France during the Second Republic (1848-1852), a period of significant upheaval.
Legacy
*Parisiens recevant un grain...* contributes to Daumier's legacy as a pioneering satirical printmaker, influencing future generations of artists in using caricature for social commentary.
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.
