Artwork

Nous ne partirons donc pas! -Hortense, je crois que ça va mordre . . . Rien plus qu'une petite demi-heure!

Nous ne partirons donc pas! -Hortense, je crois que ça va mordre . . . Rien plus qu'une petite demi-heure! is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 28 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Honoré Daumier’s lithograph presents a brief seaside episode where a man, shaded by an umbrella, clutches a fishing rod while a woman in an ornate dress stands nearby. The composition juxtaposes the leisurely activity of angling with a coastal backdrop, creating a snapshot of everyday life rendered with a touch of humor.

Subject & Meaning

The figures occupy a narrow strip of shoreline; the male figure is engaged in fishing, a pastime associated with relaxation, whereas the female companion’s elaborate attire seems incongruous with the natural setting. This contrast highlights a subtle satire of social pretensions, suggesting that fashionable dress can appear out of place in simple, outdoor pursuits.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the image relies on the direct drawing of the scene onto a limestone or metal plate, allowing Daumier to capture fine line work and tonal variations. The print’s crisp outlines and modest shading convey both the texture of the sand and the fluidity of the sea, characteristic of Daumier’s observational style.

Context

Created during the 19th‑century surge of urban and coastal leisure scenes, the work reflects contemporary interest in depicting ordinary moments. Daumier, known primarily for his caricatures and social commentary, applied his keen eye for detail to this genre scene, embedding a light‑hearted critique within a familiar recreational setting.

In convénient de se batir une maison de campagne ..., 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…