Artwork
Un émule de Mr Hume
Un émule de Mr Hume 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
Honoré Daumier’s 1857 lithograph titled *Un émule de Mr Hume* presents a brief encounter between a man and a woman. The composition captures a fleeting moment of dialogue, with the two figures positioned close enough to suggest an intimate exchange. The work exemplifies Daumier’s focus on everyday scenes, rendering a slice of mid‑nineteenth‑century social life in a single, decisive print.
Subject & Meaning
Their body language and facial expressions convey a tension that is quickly being eased, hinting at domestic or public interaction.
In the image, the woman appears visibly upset while the man leans toward her, apparently offering consolation. Their body language and facial expressions convey a tension that is quickly being eased, hinting at domestic or public interaction. Daumier’s choice to depict this ordinary emotional negotiation reflects his interest in the nuances of human behavior and the subtle power dynamics that underlie casual conversation.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the work relies on the contrast of bold lines and delicate shading typical of Daumier’s printmaking. The artist employs a limited tonal range to delineate the figures against a sparse background, emphasizing gesture over detail. This economical approach allows the emotional content of the scene to emerge directly from the interplay of light, shadow, and line.
History & Provenance
Created in 1857, the lithograph was part of Daumier’s prolific output during a period when he frequently contributed to satirical journals. While specific ownership records are scarce, the print has been documented in several 19th‑century collections of his work, indicating its circulation among collectors interested in his socially engaged imagery.
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.
