Artwork
La note ou la vie
La note ou la vie is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La note ou la vie is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1850, portraying a debt collector serving a bill to three individuals. The composition includes a detailed background of ships and architectural elements.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a debt collector presenting a bill to three figures, whose distinct attire reflects their varied social statuses. The scene is set against a backdrop of ships and architectural forms, with subtle annotations underscoring a satirical critique of financial and societal concerns.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed a caricature style in 'La note ou la vie', utilizing exaggerated features to convey social commentary. The lithograph's detailed background, including ships and buildings, adds depth to the satirical foreground.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850, 'La note ou la vie' is characteristic of Daumier's mid-career work, known for its social commentary. Provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects 19th-century French societal issues, particularly the struggles with debt and social class disparities, common themes in Daumier's oeuvre.
Legacy
'La note ou la vie' contributes to Daumier's legacy as a satirical artist addressing financial and social inequalities of his time, though its specific impact or exhibitions are not detailed here.
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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…
- Turgot -- Eh bien mon pauvre condé ...
L'ancien négociant
Origine des Bédoins a Paris
Ma patrie, a moi?...
A Bucharest
Décidément on ne peut pas...
Oui, monsieur, vous voyez en moi une victime
Le Protecteur
Comment, ils emportent mon argent ...
Un homme poursuivi ...
Le marchand de contremarques
Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil