The Laundress

Honoré Daumier

Created:
Movement:
1863
Realism
key Notes:
Social realism, everyday labor
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Dimensions:
19 1/4 x 13 in. (48.9 x 33 cm)
medium:
Oil on oak
story of the work:

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The Laundress by Honoré Daumier

The Laundress, painted by Honoré Daumier in 1863, is an exemplary work that captures the essence of everyday life in 19th-century France. Executed in oil on oak, the painting depicts a laundress and her child, emphasizing the dignity and resilience of the working class. Daumier, known for his keen social commentary, often highlighted the struggles and humanity of ordinary people through his art. This piece is significant for its empathetic portrayal and its contribution to the Realist movement, which sought to depict subjects truthfully without idealization. Daumier's background as a caricaturist and painter allowed him to blend sharp observation with a compassionate perspective, making his work both impactful and accessible. His ability to convey emotion and social critique in his paintings has cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art.

Description of the work:

The Laundress by Honoré Daumier (1863)

The Laundress by Honoré Daumier, created in 1863, is an oil painting on oak that depicts a washerwoman and her child, capturing the everyday life of the working class with a focus on realism and social commentary. The artwork is characterized by its expressive brushwork and somber palette, typical of Daumier's style, and is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Laundress