A New Theater Model, from 'Theater Sketches'
Original title: A new theater model, from 'Theater sketches,' published in Le Petit Journal pour Rire, January 30, 1864
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1864 as a humorous scene from theatrical life. A spectator is more or less stuck inside a model theatre while other people surround him. The print belongs to a series of theatre sketches published in Le Petit Journal pour Rire.
Description
A bespectacled man in a jacket, his face a picture of bewilderment, is caught in a stage construction. To his left sits an older gentleman in a suit, calm and thoughtful. On the right, another man in a suit leans forward and looks down. Further figures are hinted at in the background, drawn into the theatrical goings-on. The layout feels lively and directs attention to the reactions of those present.
Context
In 1864 Daumier brought out his series 'Theatre sketches' in the French journal Le Petit Journal pour Rire. This print appeared on 30 January 1864 as the second of two states. The artist was known for his satirical portrayals of Parisian daily life and society. It was printed on newsprint, as was usual for publications of those years.
Impact
Exaggerated expressions and the absurd situation create a comic, approachable impression. You smile because the protagonist's confusion is easy to sympathise with. In this caricature, Daumier's gift for staging everyday situations with gentle irony comes through.
Technique
The print was made as a lithograph on newsprint, a common process for satirical prints in the 19th century. The drawing was transferred to the stone and then printed; the linework bears Daumier's signature. Monochrome and even lighting are among the characteristics of this printing technique.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)