Taking the headlines of Monsieur de Girardin too seriously and coming to offer their services, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 23, 1866
Original title: Taking the headlines of Monsieur de Girardin too seriously and coming to offer their services, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 23, 1866
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1866 for the satirical press. Two policemen approach a figure on horseback in front of a building marked "La Presse" and "Lettres d'un Mort". The print appeared in Le Charivari on 23 January 1866 as part of the series "News of the day".
Description
Two uniformed policemen in top hats stand in the foreground, looking up at a rider who wears a hat and jacket and holds the reins. Behind them a building carries a sign reading "La Presse" and "Lettres d'un Mort"; beneath it sits a skull and crossbones. Newspaper sheets litter the street. The lithograph stays in shades of grey, evenly lit, with no visible shadows.
Context
Daumier published the sheet in Le Charivari, a satirical journal of the nineteenth century. The reference to Monsieur de Girardin points to Émile de Girardin, an influential French newspaper publisher. The scene mocks the press of the day and its effect on the public; "Lettres d'un Mort" is a work by Girardin.
Impact
A clear layout and the strong contrast of black and white define the print. Setting the policemen against the mounted figure creates an ironic tension that underlines the satirical charge of the scene.
Technique
Lithograph on newsprint, second state of two (Delteil). The process allows for delicate lines and gradations, used here for a lifelike rendering of figures and setting.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)