Artwork
Tiens, papa, te v'la! ...
Tiens, papa, te v'la! ... 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. Tiens, papa, te v'la!
About this work
Daumier’s quick lines catch the chaos—some stare at paintings, others chat or adjust their hats.
A crowd packs a Paris art show in this 1852 lithograph. A tall man in a top hat stands out in the center, surrounded by chattering onlookers. Daumier’s quick lines catch the chaos—some stare at paintings, others chat or adjust their hats.
Daumier loved poking fun at pretentious art lovers. This scene mocks the snobs who judge art by size, not sense. The man’s fancy clothes make him look ridiculous, not refined.
Check out how Daumier’s loose, scratchy lines build the crowd. See the real thing next at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Overview
Tiens, papa, te v'la! is a 1852 lithograph by Honoré Daumier, depicting a crowded scene at a Parisian art exhibition.
Subject & Meaning
The print satirizes the pretensions of art enthusiasts, featuring a central figure in formal attire who appears absurd rather than sophisticated, surrounded by a diverse and lively crowd.
Technique & Style
Daumier's characteristic loose and scratchy lines effectively capture the chaos and energy of the scene, conveying the dynamics of the crowd and their varied interactions with the artwork on display.
Context
The lithograph reflects Daumier's observation of social interactions in public spaces during his time, offering commentary on how people engage with art.
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.
