Vilain dormeur, va! 1838

"Vilain dormeur, va!" is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, created in 1838. It is a satirical depiction of a sleeping man with a large, exaggerated nose, likely intended to be a caricature of a specific person. The woman in the image is likely his wife, watching him with a disapproving expression. Daumier was known for his social commentary and keen observations of human behavior, often satirizing the upper classes and the political climate of his time. His use of caricature and expressive line work are hallmarks of his style and made him a prominent figure in the Realist art movement. This piece exemplifies Daumier's talent for capturing the essence of a moment and his ability to make us laugh while also prompting us to think critically about societal norms and power dynamics.