Qui aime Bertrand aime son chien (He who loves Bertrand loves his dog), from "Proverbes et Maximes"
Original title: Qui aime Bertrand aime son chien (He who loves Bertrand loves his dog), from "Proverbes et Maximes"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1840, taking up the proverb 'Who loves Bertrand loves his dog' from the series Proverbes et Maximes. Two seated figures appear at a table with a dog between them — a humorous take on the saying.
Description
At a table sit two people: on the left a figure in a long, flowing coat and a head covering, on the right someone in a pot hat and plain shirt. Between them, on the table, a dog has settled. The layout feels balanced, with the figures and the animal forming the center. The drawing uses clear contours and shading, and the light falls evenly. Below the image runs the inscription 'qui aime Bertrand aime son chien'.
Context
On July 22, 1840, Daumier published this print as part of his series Proverbes et Maximes, in which he gave satirical readings of proverbs. The series appeared in the French satirical magazine Le Charivari. Daumier was known for his political and social caricatures, often targeting the bourgeoisie and society of his time.
Impact
The clear arrangement and the calm posture of the figures give the print an almost peaceful air, which the quiet humor of the proverb then breaks. The precise drawing draws attention to the companionship of human and animal and creates a warm, nearly sentimental mood.
Technique
This is a lithograph, drawn with greasy chalk on a limestone block. Daumier used fine hatching and contrasts to achieve depth and texture. It is the third of three print states (Delteil), suggesting careful reworking of the stone.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)