Les planetes étant elles-mêmes

Honoré Daumier

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of celestial figures observing the sky with telescopes. The drawing portrays classical mythological figures sitting on clouds while holding or peering through telescopes. The figures have stars above their heads and are detailed with expressive facial features and draped in flowing robes and armor. The title "La Comète de 1857" and a caption in French at the bottom suggest a connection to a comet. The figures are gazing towards the night sky, implying anticipation of an astronomical event. The drawing is done in a monochrome style with fine lines and shading capturing the texture of the clouds and garments.