Artwork
Le Barbillon entraine...
Le Barbillon entraine... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier's Le Barbillon entraine... (1840) is a lithograph created during the politically tumultuous July Monarchy period, characterized by its satirical tone and social critique.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two men engaged in fishing by a riverbank, with one on shore using a long pole and the other in shallow water with a net.
The print depicts two men engaged in fishing by a riverbank, with one on shore using a long pole and the other in shallow water with a net. Accompanying elements include a basket and a small fire on the bank. While the scene appears mundane, it is interpreted as a vehicle for Daumier's broader commentary on class and societal issues of the time, though the specific targets (monarchy, aristocracy, clergy) are not immediately clear from the image itself.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, a technique allowing direct drawing onto stone, the work features rough, quick lines and dark shading. This sketchy style conveys a sense of movement and physical effort, reflecting Daumier's expressive approach to capturing everyday life and humor.
History & Provenance
Originally published in one of the satirical journals Daumier frequently contributed to (La Caricature or Le Charivari), the exact provenance of Le Barbillon entraine... is not specified here, though it aligns with his prolific output of satirical works during the July Monarchy.
Context
Created amidst political upheaval and class tension, the lithograph is part of Daumier's larger body of work blending visual humor with pointed social commentary, reflecting the era's political and social climate.
Legacy
As part of Daumier's satirical oeuvre, Le Barbillon entraine... contributes to his legacy as a critic of societal norms and political structures through accessible, visually engaging lithographs.
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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…
Guide, allons-nous-en... au nom du ciel...
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Vous n'avez pas besoin de me rappeler ses titres...
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Tire ferme, Gaspard ... y va s'neyer ...- Le Barbillon entraine...
Oui Monsieur vous n'êtes pas de Paris...