Volé!... Rue vide-gousset...

Volé!... Rue vide-gousset...

Honoré Daumier

1839

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a man in a top hat and long coat, mid-stride on a wet street. He’s holding something small—maybe a coin or a key—while looking down. Behind him, a tall sign lists words in French, and two other men in hats stand in the background. The scene feels quick and messy, like a snapshot of everyday life. The artist used a rough, sketchy style to show movement and energy. The wet pavement and hurried poses make it feel alive, almost like a quick drawing from real life. Next, check out lithography to see how this sketch was made.

More by Honoré Daumier

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app