O douleur!... avoir rêvé... un époux...
1844
Medium
lithograph
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1982.48.2
Art Historical Context
**O douleur!... avoir rêvé... un ép... (1844)** by Honoré Daum captures the poignant drama of dashed romantic hopes in a single, expressive lithograph. Created during France's July Monarchy—a time of social upheaval and burgeoning realism—Daumier, a master caricaturist, skewers the era's sentimental ideals of marriage. The title, translating to "O pain!... have dreamed... of a...," evokes a theatrical lament, likely inspired by popular melodramas that dominated Parisian stages and reflected women's frustrations amid rigid gender roles. Daumier's genius shines in his lithographic technique, dr...
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...