My friend, you are tall enough; but now you must try to put on some weight!, from "News of the Day"
Original title: My friend, you are tall enough; but now you must try to put on some weight!, from "News of the Day"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier drew this lithograph in August 1866, caricaturing two allegorical figures labelled "EUROPE" and "ITALIE". The print belongs to the series "News of the Day" (Actualités) and survives in the second state of two (Delteil).
Description
On the left an upright woman in a long, flowing gown, handbag on her arm, carries the label "EUROPE". Facing her at right, a figure named "ITALIE" has come apart: a top-hat-like headpiece, a garment collapsed into a heap of cloth, an unsteady stance. "ITALIE" holds "EUROPE"'s hand and seems to be talking at her. The background stays empty, with no props. The French title runs beneath the figures, while "ACTUALITÉS" and the page number "159" are printed at the top.
Context
The lithograph was made in August 1866 for the satirical magazine "Le Charivari". It targets Italy's political situation after unification: "Italia" appears weak and disordered, while Europe in female form urges her to grow stronger. Daumier was known for political and social caricatures that took up the events of the day.
Impact
The contrast between the firm, upright Europe and the collapsing Italia carries the message of weakness and admonition. The spare arrangement and clear lines direct the eye to the two figures and their exchange; that is where the satire sharpens.
Technique
Lithography on newsprint — a common process for Daumier, allowing fast, cheap printing. In the second state of the print, fine changes from the first can be made out, suggesting careful reworking of the stone.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)