Artwork
The ogre and his little Tom Thumb
The ogre and his little Tom Thumb is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The ogre and his little Tom Thumb is a print by Daumier, published in the Paris newspaper Le Charivari on June 23, 1854.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a large, menacing ogre grasping a small boy by the collar, yet the boy appears calm and unbothered. The image is likely a commentary on the relationship between power and vulnerability.
Technique & Style
The print features strong contrasts of light and shadow, with the ogre's face highlighted while the surrounding area remains dark. This chiaroscuro effect adds to the dramatic tension of the scene.
Context
As part of the 'News of the Day' series, this print was one of many satirical cartoons Daumier produced for Le Charivari, often targeting politicians and bullies.
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.
