Don Quixote and the Windmills c. 1850

Honoré Daumier painted "Don Quixote and the Windmills" using oil on wood panel. The scene captures the moment when the deluded knight errant, Don Quixote, tilts at windmills, mistaking them for giants. Daumier was a Republican, and his paintings are often critical of the bourgeoisie. Made in France at a time of rapid industrialization and social change, Daumier’s Quixote embodies the futility of clinging to outdated ideals in the face of modernity. Quixote’s idealism stands in stark contrast to the cynical and rapidly changing world around him. The choice of subject hints at Daumier’s own position as an outsider, someone critical of the status quo. The social and political context is crucial to understanding Daumier’s interpretation. By studying the history of 19th-century France, including its class structures and the rise of industrial capitalism, we can gain a deeper appreciation. Art history is not just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding how art reflects and shapes society.