Plaisanterie que se permettent maintenant les chevaux, dans le quatier des Champs-Élysées, No. 523 from series Actualités
Original title: Plaisanterie que se permettent maintenant les chevaux, dans le quatier des Champs-Élysées, No. 523 from series Actualités
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1858. It presents a horse peering curiously through a doorway into an interior, with a man standing in front. Part of the series 'Actualités', the sheet is a satirical caricature of Parisian life of the time.
Description
A horse looks through an open door into a room while a man in a long checkered robe and cap stands in the frame. The horse's expression seems surprised or confused; the man points with one hand toward the door. Through the opening, a city view appears, contrasting with the interior. The black-and-white lithograph uses detailed lines and shading to capture figures and setting precisely.
Context
This lithograph appeared on March 22, 1858, in the French journal 'Le Charivari'. The series 'Actualités' took up current events and everyday scenes with a satirical edge. The Champs-Élysées were then a popular place for strolls and riding, which explains the humorous title. The work reflects Daumier's interest in social observation and his critique of Parisian society.
Impact
The contrast between the irritated horse and the gesturing man creates a comic effect. The detailed lithograph invites close looking to decipher the satirical message. The simple black-and-white technique underlines the caricatural character of the work.
Technique
Lithography on newsprint—a process typical of Daumier. It allows fine lines and shading, which stand out clearly in the design. The newsprint points to publication in a journal and makes the reproducibility of the caricature visible.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)