Who painted Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien...?

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1843.

Where can I see Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien...?

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien...?

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien...?

Museum-quality prints of Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien...

Honoré Daumier , 1843

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Si ma machine est bonne?

About this work

Overview

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien... is a lithograph created by Honoré-Victorin Daumier in 1843, exemplifying his use of satire to comment on French society during a period of political turmoil.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a contrast between two social classes on a city street: a refined gentleman and a working man, with the latter pointing towards a detailed steam train. This juxtaposition conveys Daumier's republican and democratic views, critiquing social hierarchies through humorous yet poignant observation.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, a technique Daumier would have been familiar with from his work in publications like La Caricature and Le Charivari, the piece showcases detailed rendering, notably in the steam train, and expressive use of smoke as a dynamic element.

History & Provenance

Created in 1843, the work reflects Daumier's ongoing engagement with social commentary during France's political upheaval. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This lithograph is set against the backdrop of 19th-century France's social and political unrest, with Daumier leveraging his platform in satirical journals to critique the monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not outlined, it contributes to Daumier's broader impact as a satirical artist influencing social commentary in art. His works, including this lithograph, remain relevant for their insight into 19th-century French society.

Si ma machine est bonne? je crois bien..., 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…