Artwork

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch, by Honoré Daumier, 1868
The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch, by Honoré Daumier, 1868

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch is a print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1921.1512

About this work

Overview

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch is an 1868 print by Honoré Daumier, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a collaborative scene of three individuals finalizing a large painting. A man on a ladder meticulously adds details, another holds a palette and brushes, while a seated woman mixes colors, conveying a sense of focused teamwork in the final stages of a project.

Technique & Style

Daumier's characteristic Realist approach is evident in the honest, humorous portrayal of everyday professional life, with attention to the mundane details of the artistic process.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

This piece reflects Daumier's tendency to highlight ordinary moments, aligning with broader Realist movements that emphasized depicting life in its unvarnished form.

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 The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch?

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch was painted by Honoré Daumier in 1868.

Where can I see The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch?

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch?

The Paintings Exhibition of 1868: Giving it the last touch is associated with Impressionism.