Vue prise aux bains à quatre sous, from Croquis d'Été, published in Le Charivari, June 18, 1858
Original title: Vue prise aux bains à quatre sous, from Croquis d'Été, published in Le Charivari, June 18, 1858
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'Vue prise aux bains à quatre sous' appeared on 18 June 1858 in the journal Le Charivari. It presents a cheerful scene in a public bath, where numerous people enjoy themselves in various poses. The print belongs to the series 'Croquis d'Été' (Summer Sketches) and illustrates Daumier's satirical view of society.
Description
A dense crowd of bathers fills the image: some swim, others stand or sit at the edge of the pool. The figures are outlined with brief, sketchy strokes, creating the impression of a rapid drawing. The rendering remains monochrome in shades of gray, with no strong shadows or highlights. The facial expressions are exaggerated, giving the whole a caricatural, comic touch.
Context
Daumier published the lithograph in the satirical journal Le Charivari, famous for its political and social caricatures. The print was part of the series 'Croquis d'Été', which took up scenes from everyday summer life. Public baths were a popular subject in 19th-century Paris because they brought different social classes together in a confined space. The date of 18 June 1858 is documented by the publication in the journal.
Impact
The loose linework and exaggerated figures make the lithograph feel immediately lively and cheerful. The crowd in the bath creates an amusing, almost chaotic atmosphere that invites a smile. Daumier's approach combines precise observation with caricatural exaggeration, resulting in a timeless comedy.
Technique
The work is executed as a lithograph in the second of two states (Delteil), printed in monochrome gray tones. The process allows fine, sketchy lines that convey the impression of a spontaneous drawing. The sheet measures 25.7 × 36.2 cm, the image area 17.9 × 25.2 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)