Artwork

Madame Prudhomme...

Madame Prudhomme..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854
Madame Prudhomme..., by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1854

Madame Prudhomme... 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.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in image: hD 676; upper center: CROQUIS AQUATIQUES; upper right: 2; lower left: maison Marinet, 116 rue de Rivoli et 41, r. vivienne; lower right: Lith Destouches, 28, r. Paradis, Paris; lower center: Madame Prudhomme, ne nous pressons pas, rappelons-nous qui la dignité doit présider à tous les actes

About this work

Overview

Madame Prudhomme, a lithograph on wove paper created by Honoré Daumier in 1854, exemplifies the artist's satirical approach to depicting French society during the mid-19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays a casual beach scene with a woman, man, and child, amidst other background figures. Beneath its everyday surface, the work likely critiques aspects of contemporary French life, aligning with Daumier's republican democrat stance and penchant for social commentary.

Technique & Style

Daumier employed bold lines and vivid colors to infuse the scene with energy and movement. The use of plaid patterns in the woman's dress and the man's shirt adds visual complexity, highlighting his attention to detail in capturing mundane life.

History & Provenance

Originally published in a satirical journal like La Caricature or Le Charivari, this lithograph is part of Daumier's extensive body of work critiquing the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy during the mid-19th century.

Context

Created during a period of social and political upheaval in France, Madame Prudhomme reflects Daumier's ongoing commentary on the lives and hypocrisies of the French bourgeoisie and upper classes.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's prolific satirical output, Madame Prudhomme contributes to the artist's legacy as a keen observer and critic of 19th-century French society, influencing future generations of satirists and social commentators.

M. Prudhomme Philantrope
M. Prudhomme Philantrope, 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 Madame Prudhomme...?

Madame Prudhomme... was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1854.

Where can I see Madame Prudhomme...?

Madame Prudhomme... is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madame Prudhomme...?

Madame Prudhomme... is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Madame Prudhomme...?

Museum-quality prints of Madame Prudhomme... are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.