Etrennes de 1856 ... c. 19th century

"Etrennes de 1856..." is a satirical lithograph by Honoré Daumier, depicting a man offering a dog to a woman, likely as a New Year's gift. Daumier, a prominent French artist of the 19th century, was known for his sharp social commentary, often using caricature to highlight the absurdity of everyday life. The print, with its exaggerated features and simple composition, reflects his masterful use of line and shading to create a humorous and poignant critique of societal norms. The humorous inscription at the bottom, "Madame, you have often shown a desire to have a pretty dog... I believe it would be agreeable to you to have mine...", emphasizes the satirical nature of the artwork.