“Meeting of Thirty-Five Heads of Expression,” an oil painting on panel by Honoré Daumier, is a notable example of genre painting from the Realism art movement. This artwork portrays a vivid assembly of thirty-five figures, each with a distinct and exaggerated facial expression.
In this remarkable artwork, Daumier masterfully captures a multitude of human emotions and expressions, displayed by a diverse group of individuals. The composition is dense with characters, each face distinctively reacting in varied ways—some appear astonished, others amused, while some seem to be in deep contemplation or actively engaged in conversation. The meticulous detailing and the vivid portrayal of emotions are indicative of Daumier’s skill in rendering human expressions with both accuracy and a touch of caricature, characteristic of his satirical approach. Through this assembly, the artist provides a fascinating study of human nature, reflecting the social dynamics and individual peculiarities of his time.
