Artwork

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1847
Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier, by Honoré Daumier, ink, 1847

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier is a lithograph created by Honoré Daumier in 1847. Characteristic of Daumier's socially conscious body of work, this print conveys satirical commentary through its depiction of a domestic scene.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph portrays a contrasted duo in a humble, dimly lit room: a tall, formally attired soldier with a rifle and a young boy in simple, outdated clothing, gazing up at the soldier with a serious expression. This juxtaposition may critique the influence of militarism on youth or the societal pressures fostering a 'warrior instinct' within familial environments.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, a technique allowing for widespread dissemination of images, the work features Daumier's distinctive sketchy, quickly drawn aesthetic. The blurred soldier's face and the overall rough texture underscore the artist's emphasis on expressive immediacy over detailed realism.

History & Provenance

Produced during a period of significant political turmoil in France, this 1847 lithograph aligns with Daumier's republican and democratic sympathies. It was likely created for publication in a satirical journal, such as La Caricature or Le Charivari, where Daumier regularly published his critiques of French monarchy, aristocracy, and clergy.

Context

Within the broader context of Daumier's oeuvre, Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier sits alongside numerous caricatures and prints that targeted the social and political elite of 19th-century France, reflecting the artist's commitment to social commentary and reform.

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier
Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier, Honoré Daumier

Artist & collection

Portrait of Honoré Daumier

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…

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

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier?

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1847.

Where can I see Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier?

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier?

Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier?

Museum-quality prints of Une Famille chez qui réside l'instinct guerrier are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.