Who painted Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green??

Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1848.

Where can I see Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green??

Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green??

Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green??

Museum-quality prints of Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green?

Honoré Daumier , 1848

Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier’s 1848 lithograph titled Nous avons donc volé le ballon de Mr. Green? presents a brief, informal exchange between two figures. Set against a loosely rendered outdoor backdrop, the print captures a fleeting moment of dialogue, emphasizing the artist’s focus on everyday encounters and the subtle drama that can arise in public spaces.

Subject & Meaning

One figure appears startled, his eyes widened, while the other adopts a cunning, almost conspiratorial smile.

The composition features a pair of men whose contrasting facial expressions drive the narrative. One figure appears startled, his eyes widened, while the other adopts a cunning, almost conspiratorial smile. This juxtaposition invites viewers to infer a mischievous or illicit conversation, perhaps hinting at a petty theft or a humorous misunderstanding, typical of Daumier’s satirical eye toward social interactions.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the work demonstrates Daumier’s command of the medium’s capacity for swift, gestural lines and tonal variation. The rough, sketch‑like rendering of the background contrasts with the more detailed, expressive faces, a stylistic choice that foregrounds human expression over setting. The print’s tonal range, achieved through careful manipulation of the stone, adds depth to the scene while preserving a spontaneous quality.

History & Provenance

Created in the revolutionary year of 1848, the lithograph reflects Daumier’s prolific output during a period of political upheaval in France. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece has appeared in several 19th‑century print collections and is now held in public institutions that specialize in French graphic art, underscoring its relevance to studies of Daumier’s printmaking career.

Dis donc, ravignard, si nos femmes nous voyaient! ..., Honoré Daumier

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Artist & collection

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…