A figure is shown in a three-quarter view, with the upper body visible beside a mirror. The person is depicted in a dynamic pose with one arm raised above their head. The facial features are drawn with distinct lines, emphasizing a sharp nose, prominent cheekbones, and an open mouth. The individual has curly hair. They are wearing a long garment with a slightly open collar. The mirror reflects a distorted version of the person, emphasizing the wildness of their hair and expression. Objects surround the mirror. The background is a dark, wash-colored wall.
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A figure is shown in a three-quarter view, with the upper body visible beside a mirror. The person is depicted in a dynamic pose with one arm raised above their head. The facial features are drawn with distinct lines, emphasizing a sharp nose, prominent cheekbones, and an open mouth. The individual has curly hair. They are wearing a long garment with a slightly open collar. The mirror reflects a distorted version of the person, emphasizing the wildness of their hair and expression. Objects surround the mirror. The background is a dark, wash-colored wall.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Actor Posing in Front of a Mirror

Honoré Daumier

Date
1870s?
Medium
pen and black ink with crayon and watercolor on heavy laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 29.6 x 25.8 cm (11 5/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1943.3.3242
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • occupation
  • genre
  • Realist
  • Theater
Provenance

(Goupil & Cie, Paris). Vicomte Bernard d'Hendecourt; (his sale, Sotheby's, London, 8-10 May 1929, no. 179). Lessing J. Rosenwald, by 1930; gift 1943 to NGA.

Inscription

in later hand, lower right verso in graphite: Ingres by

NGA object ID 6419. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.