A Sunday in the botanical gardens, published in Souvenirs d'Artistes
Original title: A Sunday in the botanical gardens, published in Souvenirs d'Artistes
kurzbeschreibung
A woman leading a child by the hand stands among a group of people on a Sunday stroll through the Botanical Garden in this lithograph by Honoré Daumier. Made in March 1862, the black-and-white print belongs to the series Souvenirs d'Artistes and captures an unremarkable scene of everyday urban life in the nineteenth century.
Description
Men in top hats and women in long dresses gather in the foreground, while other walkers are scattered farther back across the garden. To the right, behind a lattice fence, an animal—likely a sheep—can be made out. The layout stays in black and white; delicate lines and gradations of light and dark give form to the figures and their surroundings. The light appears even, without harsh contrasts.
Context
Daumier made this print in 1862 for the series Souvenirs d'Artistes, published in the journal Le Charivari. The series poked fun at artistic life and social events. In nineteenth-century Paris, the Botanical Garden was a popular spot for outings, which gives the subject its place in contemporary everyday life. Daumier was known for his satirical portrayals of the bourgeoisie and Parisian society.
Impact
The calm arrangement and delicate linework make the print seem almost idyllic. The even distribution of light and the naturalistic rendering of the people create a relaxed, observant mood. The viewer is drawn into the scene and experiences the Sunday stroll from the artist's detached perspective.
Technique
This is a lithograph in the second state of two (Delteil), printed on paper. The lithographic process allows for fine, precise lines and soft shading, which here support the sculptural presence of the figures. The monochrome printing emphasizes the graphic quality and the detailed accuracy of the view.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)