Artwork

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là...

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844
C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là.

Inscription
Inscribed:across top printed: ACTUALITES 186.; lower left plate: h.D.; lower right plate: 1248; below image, across bottom printed: Chez Aubert Pl. de la Bourse Imp. Aubert & C.ie / --C'est-y embetant de brosser ces machines l .....c'est sur les bottes que le citoyen / Antoine aurait du mettre un imp t de cent francs par an....au b n fice du domestique / qui les cire!....

About this work

Overview

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1844. The work is a print in black on newsprint, a medium that allowed for wide circulation.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts two men in a dimly lit room, surrounded by shoes and cleaning tools. The image is accompanied by a caption that humorously comments on the tax implications of shoe-shining, reflecting Daumier's satirical take on everyday life.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Daumier's skill in lithography, a technique that enabled mass production of his satirical prints. The use of newsprint as a medium contributed to the accessibility of his visual commentary.

Context

Created during a period of French unrest, the lithograph is a product of Daumier's republican democratic views and his critique of societal norms, as seen in his work for publications like La Caricature and Le Charivari.

Voici votre comptre: Il vous revenait ...
Voici votre comptre: Il vous revenait ..., Honoré Daumier

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

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…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là...?

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1844.

Where can I see C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là...?

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là...?

C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là...?

Museum-quality prints of C'est-y embêtant de brosser ces machines là... are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.