Théâtre de Bordeaux - on joue la tragédie

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a monochrome drawing of a stage performance at the "Theatre de Bordeaux." The illustration depicts a figure on stage in a costume and holding a staff, standing over another figure on the ground. The audience is shown from behind, with many heads conveying attention. The drawing highlights the dramatic tension and balance between the stage action and the attending crowd with contrast and pencil strokes.