Vous voila maintenant passe citoyen

Executed in lithography, the work relies on the fluid, tonal qualities of the stone‑based print process. Daumier’s handling of line and shading creates a soft, almost tactile atmosphere, allowing subtle facial expressions and the texture of the woman’s clothing to emerge with clarity.

Created during Daumier’s prolific period of printmaking in the mid‑19th century, the lithograph was circulated among the artist’s contemporaries as part of his broader commentary on everyday life. Its provenance traces through several private collections before entering public holdings, where it remains a representative example of his print oeuvre.

The work reflects the social climate of post‑Revolutionary France, where the notion of the “citizen” was being redefined. By portraying a modest, affectionate domestic scene, Daumier subtly engages with contemporary ideas of civic identity and the private sphere.