Artwork

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854
Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1854. It depicts a hunting scene with two men and a rabbit.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows two hunters in a field, one aiming a gun, as a rabbit suddenly flees. The stiff poses and blank faces of the hunters convey a sense of absurdity, poking fun at the culture of hunting for sport.

Technique & Style

Soft shading and tones characterize the work, maintaining a light mood. Daumier's use of subtle lithographic techniques emphasizes the tension between humans and nature.

Context

The lithograph reflects on the hunting culture prevalent in 1850s France, where hunting was often done for sport rather than sustenance.

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 Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête?

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1854.

Where can I see Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête?

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête?

Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête?

Museum-quality prints of Faut-il qu'un animal soit bête are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.