Yoohoo! here it is again!
Original title: Yoohoo! here it is again!, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike many of Daumier's political caricatures, this 1866 lithograph relies on an almost farcical gesture: a gentleman in a top hat holds up a newspaper titled 'La Liberté'. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and appeared in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari'.
Description
A man in a suit and top hat presents a newspaper bearing the word 'La Liberté'. Behind him, a door swings open, labeled with 'ME', 'LE DU', and 'CHEVEUX'; a tree hints at the outdoors. His face registers surprise. Below the scene appears the exclamation 'Coucou! le revoilà!'. The figure is placed centrally, the arrangement is clear, and the light falls evenly.
Context
Daumier drew this lithograph for 'Le Charivari', a journal famous for its political and social criticism. The series 'News of the day' took up current events, here evidently the return of the newspaper 'La Liberté'. The sheet was made during the Second Empire, a period of restricted press freedom. The second state is documented by the Delteil collection.
Impact
Surprise and irony join forces: the man's theatrical gesture contrasts with the door inscriptions, which point to a barbershop—a contrast to the serious newspaper news. The cry 'Coucou! le revoilà!' recalls a game of hide-and-seek and heightens the humorous tone. The result is an entertaining yet pointed commentary on the reality of the press.
Technique
The print was produced as a lithograph on wove paper: drawn with greasy chalk on the stone, then pulled. Clear lines and even tonal areas characterize Daumier's printmaking. The second of two states shows hardly any changes, indicating careful reworking.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)