Don Quixote’s Vigil 1855 - 1856

honoredaumier

painting, oil-paint

portrait

narrative-art

painting

oil-paint

charcoal drawing

figuration

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

romanticism

genre-painting

charcoal

“Don Quixote’s Vigil” is an oil painting by Honoré Daumier, dating from 1855-1856. It depicts the titular Don Quixote, a character from the Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. Daumier's painting portrays the knight errant's delusion as he vigilantly guards his love, Dulcinea del Toboso, while she slumbers. The work is painted in a realistic style, with muted colors and a focus on the figures' dramatic postures. The artwork was likely influenced by Daumier's interest in social commentary and the human condition, reflecting the character's lonely and misguided quest.