Artwork

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1865
Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1865

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure, a lithograph by Honoré Daumier (1865), presents a whimsical scene of a man ascending a ladder against a tree, observed by another figure below, blending humor with subtle social undertones.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, at its surface, is a lighthearted, everyday moment. However, the inclusion of a caption (implied, though not specified here) suggests an underlying layer of commentary, characteristic of Daumier's penchant for social critique through satire.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithograph, the piece features robust lines and pronounced shading, evoking the immediacy of a sketch. This aesthetic choice enhances the work's informal, almost caricatural feel, aligning with the medium's capacity for expressive, bold mark-making.

History & Provenance

Created in 1865 by Honoré Daumier, a prolific French artist known for his satirical works. Specific provenance details (ownership history, exhibitions) are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of Daumier's broader oeuvre that utilized satire to comment on contemporary society. The work reflects the mid-19th-century French context, where social commentary through art was a powerful tool for critique.

Legacy

Contributes to Daumier's legacy as a master of satirical art, influencing future generations in the use of lithography for social commentary. Its accessibility and humor have made it a notable piece in discussions of 19th-century French printmaking.

Désillusion!
Désillusion!, 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 Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure?

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1865.

Where can I see Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure?

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure?

Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure?

Museum-quality prints of Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.