Artwork
Mais on jouit d'une félicité pure

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.
Own this work as a print
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…
















