Artwork
Allons bon!... voila les grafignons...
Allons bon!... voila les grafignons... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Allons bon!
About this work
Overview
Allons bon!... voila les grafignons... is a lithograph created by French artist Honoré Daumier in 1845, characteristic of his satirical body of work critiquing French society and politics.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a chaotic scene observed by a man and woman on a bridge. The man, assertively pointing with his cane, and the woman, gripped with worry, witness turmoil below, with figures falling, scrambling, and struggling amidst dark, expressive shading. While the exact event targeted is unclear, the work aligns with Daumier's republican critiques of monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.
Technique & Style
Executed in a notably fast and loose style, the lithograph features quick, sketchy lines and prominent dark shading, reflecting Daumier's caricaturist approach. This aesthetic contrasts with polished finishes, emphasizing immediacy and emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1845 for likely publication in satirical journals like La Caricature or Le Charivari, where Daumier regularly contributed, the lithograph's specific exhibition and ownership history post-creation are not detailed here.
Context
Produced during the mid-19th century, the work is part of Daumier's broader commentary on French political and social structures of the time, advocating for republican and democratic values through satire.
Legacy
While the precise impact of Allons bon!... voila les grafignons... on Daumier's overall legacy is not specified, it contributes to his recognized influence as a satirical artist challenging societal norms and political power in 19th-century France.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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…
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