A happy evening party in Clichy, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, March 16, 1865
Original title: A happy evening party in Clichy, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, March 16, 1865
kurzbeschreibung
Two men in high spirits, captured by Honoré Daumier in a lithograph dated 16 March 1865. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and appeared in the newspaper Le Charivari. It was printed as a lithograph on newsprint, present here in the second state of two.
Description
Two figures throw their arms up as if hooting or cheering. Their faces are heavily exaggerated and express joy and excitement. Behind them, a plain wall with a barred window remains. The figures look caricatural and full of movement, especially in their expressive faces and arms. Black and white, evenly exposed, with no visible shadows.
Context
The print was made in 1865 for the satirical magazine Le Charivari, in which Daumier regularly published political and social caricatures. With 'News of the day' he took up current events and scenes from everyday life. Clichy was then known as a Parisian spot with many entertainment venues. The lithograph thus offers a glimpse into the leisure culture and spirit of those years.
Impact
The print radiates an immediate, almost overflowing joy of life that draws the viewer in. The exaggerated figures give the whole a humorous yet critical edge. Because the colour is reduced and the background plain, the viewer's attention settles entirely on the expressive body language of the two men.
Technique
Daumier worked in lithography: drawing with greasy crayons on a stone, then printing. The print was published on newsprint, as was usual for reproduction in a daily newspaper. Clear lines and graduated hatching show how confidently Daumier mastered the lithographic process.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)