The Miller, His Son and the Donkey 1849

Honoré Daumier painted "The Miller, His Son and the Donkey" using oil on canvas, a standard fine art medium, but with a twist. Daumier’s known for his critical eye, and here, the thick, almost sculptural application of paint isn't just about rendering form, it’s about conveying a deeper message. The rough texture and earthy tones evoke the hardscrabble life of the working class. It emphasizes the donkey’s burden and the figures’ strained expressions. This wasn’t just paint slapped on a canvas; it was a deliberate act of social commentary. Look at the way Daumier uses the materiality of paint to create form, light and shadow. The loose brushwork and muted palette suggest a scene observed from life. He uses the materiality of oil paint to elevate what would have been seen as scenes from everyday life to the level of fine art. Daumier's approach shows us that the very act of painting, with its material qualities, can be a powerful tool for social critique. He challenges our assumptions about what is considered worthy of artistic representation.