Who painted Les Trois petits saints?

Les Trois petits saints was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1844.

Where can I see Les Trois petits saints?

Les Trois petits saints is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Trois petits saints?

Les Trois petits saints is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Les Trois petits saints

Honoré Daumier , 1844

Les Trois petits saints 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.

About this work

Overview

Les Trois petits saints is a lithograph created by French artist Honoré Daumier in 1844. Characteristic of his socially conscious body of work, this print reflects Daumier's penchant for satirical commentary on 19th-century French society.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph depicts three figures in a crowd, identifiable by their tall black hats and long coats, with faces obscured, conveying fear or embarrassment. The scene implies a sense of urgency or secrecy, potentially alluding to Daumier's critiques of societal elements such as monarchy, aristocracy, or clergy.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed quick, expressive lines in *Les Trois petits saints*, prioritizing emotional intensity over detailed rendering. This sketchy approach lends the scene a sense of immediacy and realism, consistent with his caricatural style as seen in publications like *La Caricature* and *Le Charivari*.

History & Provenance

Created in 1844, *Les Trois petits saints* is part of Daumier's prolific output of lithographs during this period. While specific provenance details are not provided, the work aligns with Daumier's active engagement with satirical printmaking for popular journals.

Context

This lithograph is situated within Daumier's broader critique of French social and political life in the 19th century. Its themes and style reflect the artist's role as a commentator on contemporary issues, using satire to address the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Legacy

*Les Trois petits saints* contributes to Daumier's legacy as a pioneering figure in 19th-century French satire. His use of lithography, a medium accessible to a broad audience, helped establish him as a vocal critic of his time, influencing subsequent generations of artists and caricaturists.

Artist & collection

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.