Le Défenseur (Counsel for the Defense)

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows two people from about the waist up. The person on the left is leaning forward from behind a ledge, both of their arms extended to the right. They have large eyes dripping with tears, a bulbous nose, sagging cheeks, and sparse hair that appears to be graying. They are wearing a dark robe that covers most of their body, with a white cravat visible at their neck. Beside them, resting on the ledge to the left, is a black hat and a stack of books or papers. The person on the right is seated next to the ledge with their hands folded in their lap, facing forward. They have a small, pointed nose and a subtle smile, and they have curly brown hair styled atop their head. They wear a light-colored dress with puffed sleeves and a high collar with a bow. Both of these people have pale skin. Behind them are numerous people sitting in rows in the background. The setting features an arch and paneling, with a ray of light casting diagonally across the space, illuminating the seated person.