Le Barbillon entraine...

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier’s *Le Barbillon entraine...* (1840), a lively lithograph from the National Gallery of Art’s Rosenwald Collection, captures the artist’s signature flair for dynamic movement and social observation. As a master of 19th-century French lithography, Daumier produced thousands of prints that brought art to the masses through affordable reproduction, allowing his sharp commentary on everyday life to reach wide audiences during the July Monarchy. Created amid France’s burgeoning horse-racing culture, this work likely depicts a training or racing scene featuring “Barbillon,” evoking the excitement of Parisian tracks like Longchamp. Daumier’s expressive style—bold lines, dramatic poses, and caricatured figures—blends realism with satire, poking fun at the bourgeoisie’s obsessions while showcasing his technical prowess in lithography. The medium’s greasy crayon technique allowed for rich tonal contrasts and fluid energy, making it ideal for conveying speed and vitality. Housed in the museum’s Prints department (CG-E), this piece exemplifies Daumier’s role as a chronicler of urban life, imprisoned in 1832 for his political caricatures yet undeterred in critiquing society. Visitors will appreciate how it freezes a fleeting moment, inviting reflection on leisure, class, and the artistry of the press.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 1810–1879

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (1808-1879) was a prolific French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor whose works offered incisive commentary on the social and political life of 19th-century France. Known as the 'Michelangelo of Caricature,' Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs, 500 paintings, 1,000 drawings, and 100 sculptures during his lifetime. His biting political satire led to his imp...