The artwork, titled “Head of Pasquin,” was created by Honore Daumier between 1862 and 1863. Executed in oil on panel, it belongs to the Realism art movement and is a portrait genre. The dimensions of the artwork are 22.5 x 17.5 cm, and it is housed in the Dallas Museum of Art, located in Dallas, Texas, United States.
The artwork portrays a character named Pasquin, rendered with a high degree of realism. The subject is depicted wearing a cap and what appears to be a clown-like costume, signified by the ruffled collar. Daumier masterfully manipulates light and shadow, casting a dramatic effect over the facial features, which conveys a somber yet contemplative expression. The use of a dark background further accentuates the subject’s figure, drawing the viewer’s focus entirely to the head and upper torso. The composition’s tight framing and detailed brushwork exemplify Daumier’s skill in capturing the psychological depth and human condition, hallmark traits of the Realism movement.
