A slightly strained relationship, from 'At the court of justice,' published in Le Petit Journal pour Rire, March 3, 1866
Original title: A slightly strained relationship, from 'At the court of justice,' published in Le Petit Journal pour Rire, March 3, 1866
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph on March 3, 1866, as part of his series 'Vor Gericht' ('Before the Court'). Titled 'Eine etwas angespannte Beziehung' ('A Somewhat Tense Relationship'), it appeared in Le Petit Journal pour Rire and presents a caricature of two figures. This is the third state of three (Delteil), printed on newsprint.
Description
Two caricatured figures fill the picture: at left a person in a top hat and dark robe, at right one in a wider-brimmed hat and equally dark gown. The left figure rests a hand on the chest, the right tips the head slightly — they appear to be talking. A plain, dark ground throws the pair into relief. Above runs 'AU PALAIS, — par H. DAUMIER.', below 'EN DÉLICATESSE'.
Context
The lithograph was published on March 3, 1866, in the French journal Le Petit Journal pour Rire. Daumier conceived the 'Vor Gericht' series as satirical commentary on the legal system of his day. This sheet is the third of three states (Delteil) and was printed on newsprint, as was customary for publication in the journal.
Impact
The stripped-down dark background pulls the eye straight to the two figures and their exchange. The caricature creates a charged, almost ironic mood, reinforced by the postures and the caption 'EN DÉLICATESSE'. Crisp lines and the high-contrast impression give the sheet a pointed, memorable presence.
Technique
Daumier's lithography on newsprint was a process typical of his satirical series. Lithography allowed fast, inexpensive reproduction for printing in journals. The existence of the third state points to several revisions of the printing plate.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)