Artwork
On dit que le chien est ami de l'homme...

On dit que le chien est ami de l'homme... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Honoré Daumier's 1855 lithograph On dit que le chien est ami de l'homme... is a satirical print critiquing human social behavior during the Second French Empire.
Subject & Meaning
The work uses the dog-man relationship trope to highlight hypocrisy in human interactions, questioning the notion of mutual friendship through a scene of a weary, possibly injured dog and an annoyed handler.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithograph, the piece showcases Daumier's characteristic blend of visual wit and political commentary, featuring simple yet effective compositions and expressive character depictions.
History & Provenance
Created during Daumier's prolific period of producing caricatures for La Caricature and Le Charivari, this lithograph aligns with his republican democrat stance, targeting the flaws of the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.
Context
The print reflects the social and political climate of the Second French Empire, where satire served as a powerful tool for social critique among republican democrats like Daumier.
Legacy
This lithograph contributes to Daumier's legacy as a pioneering caricaturist, influencing the development of satirical art and lithography, with its themes remaining relevant in critiques of human-animal and social relationships.
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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…


















