Artwork

Recevant la férule

Recevant la férule, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1852
Recevant la férule, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1852

Recevant la férule 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

Recevant la férule is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, dated 1852, portraying a seated figure leaning forward towards an outstretched hand grasping a wooden paddle, within a composition that critiques societal dynamics.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork satirically explores themes of power and submission through the depicted interaction, where exaggerated facial features of the seated person amplify the commentary on hierarchical relationships.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the piece leverages the expressive capabilities of this medium to convey satirical intent, characterized by bold lines and exaggerated forms typical of Daumier's critical approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1852, specific historical ownership or exhibition records for 'Recevant la férule' are not provided in available sources, highlighting a need for further research into its provenance.

Context

Emerging from Daumier's prolific output of socially conscious works, 'Recevant la férule' aligns with the artist's tradition of using satire to address contemporary social issues in 19th-century France.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's satirical oeuvre, the work contributes to the artist's enduring influence on political and social commentary in art, though its individual impact within his corpus requires deeper analysis.

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.