Artwork preview

Les mandarins lettrés

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

In this image, a group of six individuals is gathered around a table, with their entire upper bodies visible. They are seated, resting their arms and heads on the table, and several appear to be asleep or yawning. Their faces exhibit exaggerated expressions, with prominent cheekbones and brows, and they have distinctive hairstyles, some with topknots. The clothing is traditional, with flowing robes, and there are books and papers scattered on the table in front of them. One of the individuals has a cap on their head. No jewelry is apparent, but books and papers are notable objects in the scene. The background is a textured wall with a subtle pattern.

Artwork Details

Date
1844
Medium
lithograph
Dimensions
4000 × 3252 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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