Le Voyage en chemin de fer... 1848

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph of a train car in 19th century France. With industrialization, the railroad became a potent symbol of both progress and the changing social landscape. Daumier’s image captures a slice of this new reality. We see a cramped train compartment where passengers, likely from different social classes, are thrown together in close proximity. Notice the way the artist uses light and shadow to emphasize the weariness of the travelers, slumped in their seats, oblivious to one another. The window offers a glimpse of the passing landscape. Daumier’s focus on the everyday and the modern marked a shift in artistic concerns, away from classical or romanticized depictions. His work often appeared in satirical journals, offering social commentary. By studying the history of early rail travel, and the art market of the time, we can better understand how Daumier's art challenged the established norms.