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Que diable est-ce qu'ils font la-haut!, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
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Que diable est-ce qu'ils font la-haut!, 19th century. Creator: Honore Daumier
Que diable est-ce qu'ils font la-haut!, 19th century. Personification of the River Rhine: What the devil are they doing up there? (Military helmet and dead body - reference to war between France and Germany)
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Media ID 36291748
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Allegorical Daumier Honore Daumier Honore Victorin Dead Dead Body Elderly Man Franco Prussian War 1870 1871 Funny H Daumier Helmet Honore Daumier Honore Victorin Daumier Lithographic Old Man Old Men Personification Personifying Rhine River God River Rhine Underwater Allegorical Figure Lithotint Parody Satirical
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Que diable est-ce qu'ils font la-haut!
EDITORS COMMENTS
(What the devil are they doing up there?) is an evocative and thought-provoking lithograph by the renowned 19th-century French artist Honore Daumier. This allegorical masterpiece, created in the midst of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, personifies the River Rhine as an elderly man wearing a military helmet and observing two dead bodies floating underwater. The haunting image is a poignant commentary on the devastating impact of war on humanity. The use of allegorical figures was a common artistic device during this period, and Daumier masterfully employs it to convey the emotional and moral implications of the conflict. The river god, traditionally depicted as a deity or powerful being, is here portrayed as an elderly man, adding a sense of vulnerability and sadness to the scene. The dead bodies, dressed in military uniforms, are a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The black and white lithograph, with its intricate details and nuanced shading, showcases Daumier's exceptional skill as a printmaker. The contrast between the light and dark areas creates a sense of depth and tension, drawing the viewer into the image and inviting reflection on the themes of war, death, and the passage of time. This powerful work of art is a testament to Daumier's artistic vision and his ability to use satire and parody to address pressing social and political issues. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of art, the Franco-Prussian War, or the human condition. Whether viewed in a gallery or as a print, "Que diable est-ce qu'ils font la-haut!" continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
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