Artwork

Toujours la comète

Toujours la comète, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857
Toujours la comète, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1857

Toujours la comète is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Toujours la comète, a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, presents a serene domestic scene featuring a standing woman and a seated man, evoking a sense of quiet intimacy.

Subject & Meaning

The contrasting postures and subtle expressions of the two figures convey a nuanced commentary on social relationships, capturing a private, intimate moment between them.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the work showcases Daumier's mastery of the medium, utilizing its capabilities to achieve a softly lit, gentle atmosphere.

Context

Created during a period when lithography was a popular medium for social commentary, 'Toujours la comète' reflects Daumier's interest in observing and portraying everyday life.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'Toujours la comète' are not highlighted, the piece contributes to Daumier's broader reputation as a keen observer of 19th-century social dynamics through lithography.

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.