Quelle heure est-il, s'il vous plaît? - Honoré Daumier

A satirical 1839 lithograph by Honoré Daumier from the Émotions Parisiennes series, capturing a tense encounter on a dark Parisian street.

This lithograph is part of the series titled Émotions Parisiennes, published in the French satirical journal Le Charivari in 1839. Honoré Daumier, a master of the medium, captures a moment of urban anxiety on the streets of nineteenth-century Paris. The composition depicts two men in top hats meeting in a dimly lit, narrow alleyway. The figure on the left, leaning heavily on a walking stick, appears to be accosting the other, who stands with a posture of visible apprehension.

Daumier uses the lithographic process to create a stark contrast between light and shadow, which heightens the sense of unease. The rough texture of the cobblestones and the looming, featureless walls of the buildings contribute to an atmosphere of suspicion. The artist was known for his keen observation of social types and the absurdities of daily life. Here, he transforms a mundane request for the time into a scene of potential confrontation, reflecting the underlying tensions of city life during the July Monarchy.

As a printmaker, Daumier possessed an ability to convey character through exaggerated physical traits and expressive body language. The elongated limbs and sharp, angular features of the figures are typical of his graphic style. This work provides a window into the social dynamics of the period, where the anonymity of the crowd often led to misunderstandings and fear. The print remains a fine example of Daumier's contribution to political and social commentary through the medium of the press.