An Encounter in Open Water. “- Hello... down there... Captain.., what's new in Paris? - Nothing new really... still no one goes to the Gaieté or the Ambigu. - Don't you have anything else to tell me? - Oh yes,... I forgot... I hope you like it... shut up!,” plate 11 from Les Canotiers Parisiens 1843

"An Encounter in Open Water" is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, part of the series *Les Canotiers Parisiens* (1843). It depicts a humorous scene of two Parisian rowing crews encountering each other on the water. One crew is in the foreground and is rowing in a small boat, while the other is in the distance, in a larger boat, but both groups appear to be engaged in a playful and satirical conversation about life in Paris. Daumier is known for his social commentary through caricature, and this piece exemplifies his skill in capturing the essence of a moment and the subtle details of everyday life. The use of lithograph adds a characteristic gritty quality to the drawing, reflecting the artist's observations of the city's social landscape.