Un autodafé au XIXe siècle

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a person in a conical hat performing an action at a fire. The drawing depicts a figure with a long robe and a conical hat, kneeling at a fire made of books and fanning the flames. In the background, there are three large statues or figures with conical hats labeled "EURIPIDE," "MOLIÈRE," and "SOPHOCLE." The setting appears to allude to a ceremonial or ritualistic act, emphasized by the exaggerated smoke and stylized robes and hats. The title at the bottom suggests a commentary on acts of censorship or cultural suppression, echoed by the burning of books. The use of shading and lines gives a detailed and expressive feel to the composition.