The king of pumpkins receiving the homage of his subjects, from "Autumn sketches"
Original title: The king of pumpkins receiving the homage of his subjects, from "Autumn sketches"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's 1865 lithograph presents a man mocked as the 'King of the Pumpkins,' receiving homage from other figures. This black-and-white print comes from the series 'Croquis d'Automne' (Autumn Sketches).
Description
A man in a broad hat and long coat stands at the center, surrounded by several people dressed in 19th-century clothing. The action takes place outdoors, with trees and a rural setting behind them. The figures cluster around the pumpkin king, who is hemmed in by the others. Rendered in shades of gray, the print features detailed drawings along with accompanying texts and captions.
Context
This lithograph belongs to Daumier's series 'Herbstskizzen' (Autumn Sketches), published in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari.' The caricature targets social hierarchies and the veneration of authority—a motif that recurs frequently in Daumier's work. It was created during the Second Empire under Napoleon III.
Impact
Both humorous and ironic, the caricature stages an absurd scene of homage. Viewers are prompted to reflect on power relations and the ridiculousness of blind faith in authority.
Technique
Daumier's lithograph on newsprint is in the second state of two (Delteil). The process allows for fine lines and shading characteristic of his style.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)