La rentrée

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of small, gnome-like figures approaching the entrance of a building labeled "PENSIONNAT INTERNATIONAL". The figures are depicted with exaggerated features and are marching in a line toward a large, imposing figure of a woman standing at the door. The woman is draped in classical attire, resembling a Grecian statue or an allegorical representation. The composition has a playful yet satirical tone, with the figures' comical appearance contrasted against the seriousness of the grand figure and setting. The use of line work and shading adds a dynamic quality to the scene, drawing attention to the contrast between the figures and the structured arch of the building entrance.