Villégiature, from Croquis d'Été
Original title: Villégiature, from Croquis d'Été, published in Le Charivari, August 22, 1856
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's lithograph Villégiature appeared on 22 August 1856 as part of the Croquis d'Été series. It shows two figures in a rural setting: one has settled comfortably inside a large water container, while the other stands beside it.
Description
A large oval water container immediately draws the eye, and inside it sits a person in a simple shirt, their posture suggesting contemplation. Next to them stands a second figure wearing a traditional Asian hat and a jacket, leaning on a backpack. Trees and vegetation behind the pair hint at a natural environment. The image remains black and white, and its asymmetrical layout directs attention to the figures and the container. Even light covers the view, with no strong shadows or highlights.
Context
Le Charivari, the satirical journal, published the print on 22 August 1856. It belongs to the Croquis d'Été, a series Daumier drew during the summer of that year. The artist was known for his socially critical caricatures, which took aim at both urban and rural life of his time. Summer pleasures and the leisure activities of Parisians are the usual subject of this series.
Impact
A sense of calm emanates from the seated figure, owing to their thoughtful pose, and the abundance of detail reinforces this contemplative quality. At the same time, the unusual situation with the water container feels slightly disorienting and invites closer engagement with this everyday yet bizarre occurrence.
Technique
Executed as a lithograph, the work is in the second state of two (Delteil). Delicate lines and shading, as this technique allows, accurately render the textures of clothing and surroundings. The sheet measures 26.7 × 25.9 cm, the image itself 26.8 × 24.7 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)