The Print Collectors (c. 1860-63) by Honore Daumier

The Print Collectors - Honore Daumier - c. 1860-63

Artwork Information

TitleThe Print Collectors
ArtistHonore Daumier
Datec. 1860-63
MediumOil On Panel
Dimensions31.8 x 40.6 cm
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About The Print Collectors

Within the late 19th century, Honore Daumier painted a famous genre painting titled “The Print Collectors.” The artwork depicts various collectors and connoisseurs looking over artist’s shoulders or examining portfolios of prints. Daumier often painted bourgeoisie as print collectors with loose, expressive brushwork that echoed some of the period’s renowned artists such as Francisco Goya, Eugène Delacroix, and Théodore Géricault. This painting is considered one of the period’s most profoundly original and wide-ranging realists.

Daumier was recognized in his time as France’s best-known caricaturist who sometimes portrayed collectors’ mere curiosity about displays of prints for sale. The painting’s genre style features Realism art showing interactions between people at that time. It measures 12 1/16 × 16 in | 30.6 × 40.6 cm inscribed lower left: h. Daumier and gift of the Estate of Marshall Field bearing reference number 1957.305.

Daumier notably captured how printmaking began to emerge around this time while also shedding light on people’s growing interests in procuring art during this period known for its cultural growth and prosperity with new middle classes emerging across Europe, choosing to spend their wealth on art instead of traditional decadence; including portraiture or decorative furniture pieces that had traditionally represented upper-class interests.

In conclusion, Daumier’s “The Print Collectors” is a famous work exemplifying Realism Art where he represents high society enjoying and purchasing works from artistic contemporaries along with those preceding them through detailed renditions not only featuring figures admiring but also reaching out proactively towards what must be highly regarded works reminiscing about trends foreshadowing modernity since early days onwards until today regarding subject matter but more than ever regarding technology innovations within collector’s innermost desires!

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