← Honoré Daumier

Galileo, astonished by changes in the face of the earth, from "News of the Day"

Original title: Galileo, astonished by changes in the face of the earth, from "News of the Day"

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

February 21, 1867

Medium

Lithograph on newsprint; second state of two (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 9 5/8 × 8 7/16 in. (24.4 × 21.4 cm) Sheet: 11 1/2 × 11 3/8 in. (29.2 × 28.9 cm)

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1936

kurzbeschreibung

Unlike many contemporary portraits of Galileo that present the scholar as a dignified figure of science, Honoré Daumier brings him close to a comic character. This 1867 lithograph, part of the series 'News of the Day', is the second state of two and was printed on newsprint.

Description

Galileo appears with his mouth wide open and arms flung out, an expression of shock or surprise. Dressed in a long-sleeved tunic and barefoot, the slightly rippled clothing suggests quick movement. He stands on a globe covered with sharp, needle-like structures. Behind him, newspaper pages with text and images are visible, emphasizing the context of publication. The black-and-white, drawing-like style with pronounced shading and lines underlines the dynamism of the figure.

Context

The lithograph appeared on February 21, 1867, in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari' as part of the series 'Actualités'. Daumier thus took up contemporary scientific discussions, especially the theory of the Earth's rotation that Galileo Galilei had advocated in the 17th century. The title refers to changes in the Earth's surface addressed by new geological findings or modern technology. By using Galileo as a historical figure, Daumier commented on current debates about science and progress.

Impact

Galileo's exaggerated facial expression and gestures create a comic effect reminiscent of a caricature. At the same time, the image retains a certain seriousness because it alludes to profound changes on Earth and the role of science. This mixture of satire and historical reference makes the print accessible to the viewer and prompts reflection.

Technique

Daumier used lithography, in which a drawing is transferred to a stone or metal plate and then printed on paper. The work is printed on newsprint, which reveals its function as an illustrated contribution in a magazine. The second state shows revisions compared to the first, refining the shading and details.

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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)