Artwork

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . .

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . ., by Honoré Daumier, 1841
Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . ., by Honoré Daumier, 1841

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . . is a print by the Romanticist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1925.1224

About this work

This print shows a man in a coat and hat pointing at a woman who looks tired. The caption reads: "Ah! You think your wife does not provide enough for you, villain..."

Daumier used prints like this to mock marriage duties in 19th-century France. He drew for Le Charivari, a funny news sheet.

Look up Honoré Daumier (French, 1808–1879) next.

Overview

This 1841 print, titled "Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain....", is part of the series "Matrimonial Customs" published in the French satirical newspaper Le Charivari. It depicts a domestic scene with a man and a weary-looking woman.

Subject & Meaning

The print satirizes marital responsibilities in 19th-century France, specifically targeting the dynamics of economic provision within marriage. The man's accusatory gesture towards the tired woman highlights societal pressures and gender roles.

Technique & Style

Executed by Honoré Daumier, the print reflects his characteristic use of simple, expressive lines and everyday subject matter, typical of his work for Le Charivari. The simplicity of the image underscores the universality of the satirized situation.

History & Provenance

Originally published as plate 38 in Le Charivari on June 6, 1841, the print was part of Daumier's regular contributions to the newspaper, leveraging satire to comment on contemporary French life.

Context

Created amidst the social and economic changes of 19th-century France, the print taps into the era's concerns with domesticity, gender roles, and the challenges of everyday life, reflecting Daumier's role as a social commentator.

Legacy

As part of Daumier's prolific output for Le Charivari, this print contributes to his legacy as a pioneering figure in social satire, influencing future generations of artists and caricaturists in addressing societal issues.

To think that I might soon be reduced to exchanging my crown for a simple hat!
To think that I might soon be reduced to exchanging my crown for a simple hat!, 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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . .?

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . . was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1841.

Where can I see Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . .?

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . . is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . .?

Ah! You Think Your Wife Does Not Provide Enough for You, Villain. . . . is associated with Romanticism.