Ayant eu la facheuse idée d'aller...au bord de l'eau, from Croquis d'Été
Original title: Ayant eu la facheuse idée d'aller...au bord de l'eau, from Croquis d'Été, published in Le Charivari, September 3, 1856
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1856 for his series 'Croquis d'Été'. It shows two figures in a wooded area by a body of water. The print appeared on 3 September 1856 in the journal Le Charivari and is the second of two states (Delteil).
Description
Two people enliven the woodland: one crouches on the ground holding an object, the other rests relaxed at their side. Trees and a flowing stream close off the view behind them. The layout directs attention squarely at the pair, dressed in the clothing of the period. Even light spreads across the surface, with no strong shadows or harsh contrasts. Realistic touches combine with a romantically mooded impression of nature.
Context
For the satirical journal Le Charivari, Daumier drew the series 'Croquis d'Été', in which he poked fun at scenes of everyday summer life. This lithograph dates from the years of Napoleon III's rule, when the artist regularly commented on social and political matters. The caption hints at an unfortunate idea, typical of Daumier's mocking observation of bourgeois habits.
Impact
The simple arrangement and the calm posture of the figures give the print a cheerful yet thoughtful air. One smiles at the situation without it tipping into mere ridicule. Nature and people are captured so truthfully that the view seems timeless.
Technique
The lithograph was printed in black and white on paper. This process allows delicate lines and soft transitions, with which garments and landscape are worked out in detail. The sheet measures 25.3 × 36.5 cm, the image area 19 × 26.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)