La première lecon ... ; Un monsieur ... ; Collé sous bande; Deux amateurs de la banlieue

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This drawing depicts a billiards scene with caricatured figures in a humorous setting. The artwork is a black and white illustration from "Journal Amusant", dated March 1865, and is titled "Les Joueurs de Billard" by H. Daumier. The upper panel shows two figures at a billiards table, one with a cue stick and the other giving advice. The lower panel shows a single figure focusing on striking the billiard ball while a crowd watches in the background. The composition is filled with comedic exaggerations typical of Daumier's style, with prominent facial features and fluid line work conveying a lively atmosphere.