Artwork

Que diable peut-il bien y avoir dans ce fourré-la? ...

Que diable peut-il bien y avoir dans ce fourré-la? ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854
Que diable peut-il bien y avoir dans ce fourré-la? ..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854

Que diable peut-il bien y avoir dans ce fourré-la? ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier’s lithograph “Que diable peut‑il bien y avoir dans ce fourré‑la?” depicts a quiet, suspenseful moment in a dark forest. Two hunters, rendered in fine line work, pause to peer into the thick undergrowth, their faces and posture conveying a sense of watchful anticipation.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on the hunters’ cautious observation of something concealed within the foliage. By focusing on this brief pause, Daumier emphasizes the tension inherent in the hunt, inviting viewers to contemplate the unseen presence that draws the men’s attention.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the work relies on delicate, precise lines to render texture—from the tangled vegetation to the intricate details of the hunters’ period clothing. The contrast of light and shadow enhances the atmospheric depth typical of Daumier’s printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created during Daumier’s prolific period of social and genre scenes, the print reflects his interest in everyday activities. It remains part of collections that document 19th‑century French lithography, though specific ownership records are limited.

Context

The scene aligns with mid‑19th‑century French interest in rural life and sport, echoing contemporary depictions of hunting as both leisure and livelihood. Daumier’s choice of an intimate, pre‑action moment distinguishes it from more dramatized hunting narratives of the era.

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.