Artwork

Mr. Dupin in His Little Shoes

Mr. Dupin in His Little Shoes, by Honoré Daumier, 1850
Mr. Dupin in His Little Shoes, by Honoré Daumier, 1850

Mr. Dupin in His Little Shoes is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Mr.

About this work

Overview

Mr. Dupin in His Little Shoes is a print published in the newspaper Le Charivari on May 18, 1850, as part of the series News of the Day.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Mr. Dupin, a man wearing oversized or childishly small shoes, with a serious expression. The unusual footwear is the focal point, potentially conveying a message or commentary.

Technique & Style

The work employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth, adding to the overall visual interest.

Context

As a print published in a newspaper, it was intended for a wide audience and was part of a larger series, News of the Day, suggesting it was meant to be a timely commentary or observation.

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.