Une mission délicate

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an encounter between a man in uniform and a dog. The scene takes place on a cobblestone street in front of a wall plastered with notices, one of which bears the words "ORDONNANCE CONCERNANT LES CHIENS." The central figure holds a net and basket, and opposite him stands a sturdy dog. The drawing uses shading and line work to add depth and texture. The expressions of the man and dog are exaggerated, typical of caricature art.