Self-Portrait of a Frenchman, plate 2 from Scénes D'ateliers c. 1849

"Self-Portrait of a Frenchman," from Honoré Daumier's "Scènes D'ateliers," depicts a humorous scene of the artist painting himself while standing in front of his easel. Daumier, a prolific artist known for his satirical lithographs, captures a moment of self-reflection and artistic process in a darkly lit studio. The detail of the artist's clothing and the casualness of the pose suggest a sense of realism and authenticity, making this a compelling glimpse into the life of a 19th-century artist. The handwritten inscription below the image adds a personal touch and hints at the artist's engagement with his art and the social commentary it often conveyed.