My friend, you have taken the wrong bus, get out quickly! (January 31, 1866)
Original title: My friend, you have taken the wrong bus, get out quickly!, from 'Parisian sketches,' published in Le Charivari, January 31, 1866
kurzbeschreibung
A man scrambles hurriedly out of an omnibus — Honoré Daumier captured this everyday Parisian farce in a lithograph in 1866. The print belongs to the 'Parisian Sketches' series and appeared in the satirical magazine 'Le Charivari' on January 31, 1866.
Description
Several people cluster around a wooden omnibus. At the middle of the sheet one figure clambers over the vehicle while another offers him a hand; a gentleman in a top hat looks on. To the left, a woman has turned away in alarm. The figures wear the clothing of the period and are drawn with care, and the layout follows the frantic movement. Working in greys with even lighting, the lithograph avoids any striking effects of light and shadow.
Context
Daumier drew scenes of city life for 'Le Charivari' on a regular basis, caricaturing social types along the way. By 1866 omnibuses had long been part of everyday Paris. Incidents like this one gave the artist material for teasing out human weaknesses and comic moments.
Impact
The rush of the exit meets the calm of the bystanders, and that contrast is where the print finds its humour. Look closely and you can follow the glances and gestures of those involved, and laugh along with the situation.
Technique
The lithograph was printed on newsprint and survives in the second of two states (Delteil). The process allows precise lines and shading, so faces and clothing stand out clearly. Its grey tonality matches the satirical press of the day.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)