Don Quixote, Sancho Pansa and the Dead Mule 1867

Honoré Daumier's "Don Quixote, Sancho Pansa and the Dead Mule" (1867) is a powerful depiction of the famous literary figures. The scene showcases the pair amidst a desolate mountainous landscape, their journey disrupted by the loss of their mule. Daumier, known for his social commentary and caricatures, captures the absurdity and tragedy of Quixote's delusions against the harsh realities of life, making it a poignant commentary on human folly. The lithograph's stark lines and dramatic use of light and shadow heighten the sense of pathos and isolation in this iconic scene.