“Penelopa’s Dream” is a lithographic artwork created in 1842 by Honore Daumier, a prominent artist known for his contributions to the Realism art movement and caricature genre. This piece is part of the “Ancient History” series and currently resides at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a scene featuring Penelope, a character from ancient Greek mythology, as she reclines in a state that suggests sleep or introspection. Her posture conveys repose, yet her expression hints at a silent contemplation of an unseen reality, likely alluding to her longing and steadfastness. The composition includes a woven piece on a loom, symbolizing her famed weaving endeavors, and items on a table, which contribute to the domestic setting. The soft shading and fine lines characteristic of lithography are adeptly employed to enhance the emotional depth and realism of the scene. Above Penelope’s head, a translucent, ghostly figure appears, evoking the element of dreams or imagination, further enriching the narrative layer of the artwork. The overall aura is one of quiet suspense and reserved strength, reflecting Daumier’s skill in infusing caricatured subjects with profound human sentiment.
