Vue d'un atelier... avant l'exposition

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an artist's studio scene before an exhibition. Two individuals are depicted, one standing and painting on a large canvas, while the other sits at the edge, holding a brush or tool. The canvas seems to contain an unfinished or abstract depiction. The background reveals a table draped with a cloth, atop of which rests a bottle and possibly other items. The composition suggests a moment of artistic creation and critique.