Who painted 10 heures du matin?

10 heures du matin was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1839.

Where can I see 10 heures du matin?

10 heures du matin is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is 10 heures du matin?

10 heures du matin is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of 10 heures du matin?

Museum-quality prints of 10 heures du matin are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

10 heures du matin

Honoré Daumier , 1839

10 heures du matin is a crayon print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper center in plate: LA JOURNEE DU CELIBATAIRE.; upper right in plate: 4; lower left in image in plate: hD; lower left below image in plate: Daumier Del.; lower center below image in plate: Imp. d'Aubert & Cie.; lower right below image in plate: Edité par le Charivari rue du Croissant 16; across bottom in plate: 10 HEURES DU MATIN / Mr Coquelet ayant rencontré au jardin des Plantes. Mlle Palissandre à laquelle il eût le bonheur / d'offrir une rose pompon le 1er mai 1804, a obtenu un rendez vous, et s'etant mis en frais d'une paire / de gants a 29 sous, il jette, un coup d'oeil a son miroir avant d'aller en bonne fortune.; by later hand, lower left in graphite: H.D. 2001; by later hand, lower right in graphite: L.D. 610

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier’s 1839 lithograph 10 heures du matin is a black crayon drawing executed on wove paper. The print presents a solitary gentleman in a long coat and top hat, standing before a mirror that reflects his own image. A cane rests in his hand, and a chair with a draped coat appears to his left, creating a balanced composition.

Subject & Meaning

The figure’s upright posture and self‑assured expression convey a sense of personal confidence, while the mirror introduces a visual dialogue between outward appearance and inner identity. By positioning the man before his reflection, Daumier invites contemplation of societal self‑presentation during a period of heightened public scrutiny.

Technique & Style

Created with crayon lithography, the work relies on stark black lines against the white of the wove paper, emphasizing contour and texture. Daumier’s handling of the medium allows for precise detailing of clothing folds and facial features, while the limited palette reinforces the satirical tone characteristic of his prints.

Context

Produced during the July Monarchy, the lithograph reflects Daumier’s engagement with contemporary French politics. Known for his contributions to satirical journals such as La Caricature and Le Charivari, he employed caricature to critique the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy, aligning the image with his republican, democratic convictions.

History & Provenance

The print is documented as part of Daumier’s early series of socially critical works from the late 1830s. Its ownership history traces back to private collections before entering public museum holdings, where it is displayed as an example of his politically charged lithographic practice.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (French: ; 26 February 1808 – 10 or 11 February 1879) was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the…