Artwork preview

Le Supplice de Tantale

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a scene involving natural elements and a fanciful depiction of food. The artwork shows a tree with exaggeratedly large fruits hanging from its branches, including grapes and other round fruits. Beneath the tree, there is a table setting on the water, consisting of a bird-like creature emerging from a dish and two wine bottles nearby. The composition is dynamic, with lines that suggest movement, as seen in the swirling leaves and flowing branches. Above the tree, two birds are depicted in flight. The overall scene has a whimsical, surreal quality, incorporating elements of satire and fantasy.

Artwork Details

Date
1842
Medium
lithograph
Dimensions
3520 × 4234 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette