Artwork

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate)

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate), by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1848
J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate), by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1848

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. J.

About this work

Notice the way the club looks too small for his oversized hands, funny and scary at once.

The image shows a big, burly man in rags striding forward. One hand grips a thick club; the other clutches his tattered coat. Behind him, broken furniture and splintered wood litter the floor.

Daumier made this in 1848, the year of Paris street fights. The print mocks politicians who whipped up chaos for their own gain. Notice the way the club looks too small for his oversized hands, funny and scary at once.

See the real thing at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, created in 1848. It depicts a caricatured figure in a dynamic pose, embodying the artist's satirical style.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a muscular man in tattered clothing, holding a club and striding forward amidst a scene of destruction. The image is a commentary on the politicians of Daumier's time, who incited violence for personal gain.

Technique & Style

The lithograph features exaggerated facial features and a cluttered background, characteristic of Daumier's expressive and satirical style. The contrast between the man's oversized hands and the relatively small club adds to the comedic effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1848, a year marked by Paris street fights, the print is a reflection of the tumultuous period. An example is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Context

The artwork is a product of the turbulent year 1848, when street fights broke out in Paris. Daumier's work mocks the politicians who exploited the situation for their own benefit.

Jules Favre
Jules Favre, 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 J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate)?

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1848.

Where can I see J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate)?

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate)?

J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate)?

Museum-quality prints of J. Martial Bineau (2nd Plate) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.