Sideshow of "Le charivari" (Parade du charivari)
Original title: Sideshow of "Le charivari" (Parade du charivari)
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike many contemporary theatre caricatures, this 1839 lithograph by Honoré Daumier doesn't rely on a single punchline but on a dense throng. The sheet, in the second state of three, measures 37.1 × 25.6 cm and belongs to a series that satirically accompanied Parisian stage life.
Description
A jumble of figures in hats and caps fills the foreground; one thrusts a stick upward, others cling to tables and benches. Several pictures of people hang on the wall. The even monochrome lithograph emphasizes contours and exaggerated gestures, making the layout feel restless and crowded.
Context
Daumier drew this lithograph for the satirical magazine Le Charivari; the print refers to the parody of the same name ('Katzenmusik'), performed in Paris in 1839. As a mass medium, print allowed him to reach a wide audience and comment on the manners of the time.
Impact
The overblown figures and the confusing arrangement evoke a comic, almost grotesque mood that invites a smile. Thanks to the detailed linework, one can almost feel the chaos of the event.
Technique
Lithography, a planographic printing process, allowed fine lines and shading. This copy is in the second of three states, suggesting later revisions to the printing plate. The technique enabled quick, inexpensive reproduction—ideal for a satirical magazine.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)