What about that..., they don't seem to be interested in me anymore, from "News of the Day"
Original title: What about that..., they don't seem to be interested in me anymore, from "News of the Day"
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike many of Daumier's political prints, this 1866 lithograph turns the spotlight on the audience itself: a stage figure in historical costume stands in the foreground, while a cheering crowd appears behind her. The piece belongs to the series 'News of the Day' and was printed as a line etching on newsprint.
Description
A person is seen from behind on a raised platform framed by a curtain bearing the word 'PRINCIPAUX'. She wears a long-sleeved dress and a head covering. Behind her, people celebrate and cheer, suggesting a parade or public festivity. The black-and-white lithograph renders figures and setting in detail but with caricatural exaggeration. Below the image runs the text: 'Ah! ça mais ils n'ont plus l'air de s'occuper de moi du tout!' (Ah! but they don't seem to be interested in me at all anymore).
Context
The print was made on May 30, 1866, and appeared in the French satirical magazine 'Le Charivari'. With the series 'News of the Day', Daumier commented on current political and social events. The neglected figure on stage alludes to the fleeting nature of public attention, a recurring theme in Daumier's work. The second edition was produced on newsprint, as was common for the mass production of caricatures at the time.
Impact
The figure's rear view and the contrast between the lonely stage person and the cheering crowd create an ironic tension. The exaggerated figures and the humorous caption give the sheet a satirical note. The viewer is prompted to reflect on the transience of fame and the dynamics of public attention.
Technique
Executed as a lithograph on newsprint, this is the second state of two (Delteil). Chalk or ink was drawn on the stone and then transferred to paper. The delicate lines and shading demonstrate Daumier's assured handling of the medium, typical of his satirical prints.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)