Artwork
At the Universal Exhibition: Who are the real Chinese?
At the Universal Exhibition: Who are the real Chinese? is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.1511
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
At the Universal Exhibition: Who are the real Chinese? is a print by Honoré Daumier, created in 1867. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a group of figures in a lively outdoor scene, possibly satirizing European perceptions of foreigners at an international exhibition. The title suggests a commentary on cultural representation and authenticity.
Technique & Style
Daumier employed loose, sketchy lines to convey movement and emotion, prioritizing expressive effect over precise detail. This approach is characteristic of his style, which emphasizes capturing the essence of a scene rather than rendering it realistically.
Context
The work relates to the Universal Exhibition, a type of international fair that was a significant cultural event in the 19th century. Daumier's print may be seen as a commentary on the cultural exchange and representation that occurred at such events.
Artist & collection
Artist
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…
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