Artwork

Athenians Beware of Phillip! (Demosthenes to the Athenians)

Athenians Beware of Phillip! (Demosthenes to the Athenians), by Honoré Daumier, 1835
Athenians Beware of Phillip! (Demosthenes to the Athenians), by Honoré Daumier, 1835

Athenians Beware of Phillip! (Demosthenes to the Athenians) is a print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. A 19th-century print depicting a scene from ancient history, published in the journal La Caricature in 1835.

About this work

You see a man standing on a rock, addressing a crowd.
He's passionate, with his arms out.
This painting is interesting because it shows a moment from ancient history, but it was made in the 19th century, which is a unique combination. The artist used this scene to comment on current events.
Check out the work of Honoré Daumier to learn more.

Overview

A 19th-century print depicting a scene from ancient history, published in the journal La Caricature in 1835.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a man, likely Demosthenes, standing on a rock, passionately addressing a crowd with outstretched arms, referencing his warnings to the Athenians about Philip II of Macedon.

Context

Created during a time of contemporary political turmoil, the artist used an ancient historical scene to comment on current events, a characteristic approach of the periodical La Caricature.

Technique & Style

The work reflects the style of Honoré Daumier, a prominent artist known for his satirical and socially conscious prints, suggesting a possible influence or connection.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.