Artwork
A minister back in the water
A minister back in the water is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1851 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
A man in a black suit stands knee-deep in calm water. His arms are raised, sleeves rolled up. He holds a book above his head.
This print ran in a Paris newspaper in 1851. It mocked politicians who changed their views with the tide. Daumier used sharp lines to show the joke.
His dry humor feels fresh today. Look up Honoré Daumier (French, 1808–1879).
Overview
A lithograph titled 'A Minister Back in the Water' depicts a man in a black suit wading knee-deep in calm water, arms raised and sleeves rolled up, holding a book aloft. Created by Honoré Daumier, it was published in the Parisian newspaper Le Charivari on April 26, 1851, as part of the 'News of the Day' series.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a minister, is satirically portrayed as one who shifts with the political tide, implied by his stance in water. The raised book may symbolize either a plea for salvation or a futile attempt to keep ideology dry amidst changing circumstances.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed sharp, defined lines characteristic of his lithographic technique to convey the satire's clarity and biting humor, ensuring the joke's immediacy to the contemporary viewer.
History & Provenance
Originally published as plate 120 in Le Charivari's 'News of the Day' on April 26, 1851, the print's current location or subsequent ownership history is not specified in available information.
Context
Published during a tumultuous political period in France, the print reflects Daumier's penchant for critiquing political opportunism, resonating with the newspaper's audience seeking commentary on current events.
Legacy
Despite being over a century old, the print's depiction of political expediency remains relatable, with Daumier's dry humor and satirical insight continuing to be appreciated for their timeless relevance.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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