Artwork

Un Grand homme de plus

Un Grand homme de plus, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844
Un Grand homme de plus, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1844

Un Grand homme de plus is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Un Grand homme de plus is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1844, satirizing social and political aspects of mid-19th century France.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an awkward encounter between two individuals, with a man holding a patent and a glass, displaying a smug expression, while the woman appears stiff and reluctant. The scene critiques the social and political climate, reflecting Daumier's republican democratic views.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, sketchy lines, the lithograph employs a caricatured approach, typical of Daumier's style, to convey tension and satire.

History & Provenance

Originally published in a newspaper like La Caricature or Le Charivari, where Daumier regularly critiqued monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy, the exact provenance of this specific print is not detailed here.

Context

Created during the mid-19th century, the work is part of Daumier's broader commentary on French society, leveraging his platform as a prolific printmaker and caricaturist to address contemporary political issues.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's satirical oeuvre, Un Grand homme de plus contributes to his lasting reputation as a sharp commentator on 19th-century French political and social life.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.