La Concierge 

Honoré Daumier created this watercolor, La Concierge, with ink and graphite. The watercolor features a lone figure, rendered with an economy of line. The earthy hues and visible brushstrokes give the work an immediacy, hinting at Daumier’s interest in capturing a fleeting impression. The composition, while seemingly simple, uses the figure's placement to draw attention to texture. We can see this in the fabrics of her clothing and the lines of her face. Daumier seems to be making a comment on the socio-economic realities of 19th-century France by using an open and honest representation of working-class individuals. The gestural quality of the strokes and the subdued palette invite the viewer to consider the narrative and lived experience embedded within the image. Ultimately, Daumier’s La Concierge functions not only as a character study but also as a symbol of the artist's investment in exploring the social realities of his time.