Artwork
I am a bird, see my wings..
I am a bird, see my wings.. is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1946.202
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Spector
About this work
This print shows a man in profile with huge bird wings sprouting from his back. His serious face and fancy coat make the wings look absurd.
Daumier worked this into a series mocking current events. In 1869 France, political satire got him in hot water more than once.
Look up Honoré Daumier to see more of his sharp, funny prints.
Overview
The print 'I am a bird, see my wings' is a satirical work by Honoré Daumier, published in the French newspaper Le Charivari on March 24, 1869.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a man with oversized bird wings protruding from his back, juxtaposed with his dignified face and attire, creating a comedic effect. The work is part of a series critiquing contemporary events.
History & Provenance
The print was part of Daumier's 'News of the Day' series and was published as plate 62. In 1869, Daumier faced challenges due to the sensitive nature of his political satire in France.
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…
