Tiens, papa, te v'la! ...

About this work

A crowd packs a Paris art show in this 1852 lithograph. A tall man in a top hat stands out in the center, surrounded by chattering onlookers. Daumier’s quick lines catch the chaos—some stare at paintings, others chat or adjust their hats. Daumier loved poking fun at pretentious art lovers. This scene mocks the snobs who judge art by size, not sense. The man’s fancy clothes make him look ridiculous, not refined. Check out how Daumier’s loose, scratchy lines build the crowd. See the real thing next at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.