Who painted Une Alliance?

Une Alliance was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1844.

Where can I see Une Alliance?

Une Alliance is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Une Alliance?

Une Alliance is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Une Alliance?

Museum-quality prints of Une Alliance are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Une Alliance

Honoré Daumier , 1844

Une Alliance is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1844, *Une Alliance* is a lithographic print by Honoré Daumier. The image captures a brief, charged encounter between two men, one bearing a bag marked “SEP TICISME” and the other gesturing emphatically. The composition conveys tension and urgency, typical of Daumier’s rapid, observational approach to contemporary scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a moment of confrontation, with the left‑hand figure in a tall, pointed hat appearing solemn and concerned, while his counterpart reaches over his shoulder and points upward, suggesting a forceful argument or warning. The bag’s inscription hints at political or social commentary, aligning the scene with the contentious debates of mid‑19th‑century France.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the piece relies on bold line work and stark contrasts to convey immediacy. Daumier’s handling of the medium allows for swift rendering of gestures and facial expressions, emphasizing the spontaneity of the encounter and reinforcing the satirical tone characteristic of his printmaking practice.

History & Provenance

*Une Alliance* belongs to Daumier’s extensive series of caricatures produced for periodicals such as *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*. Created during a period of political turbulence, the print reflects his republican sympathies and his broader effort to critique the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy through visual satire.

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Artist & collection

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.