The loaf of sugar frightened at the idea that it will be necessary not only to sweeten the water of the orators but probably also their speeches, from "News of the Day"
Original title: The loaf of sugar frightened at the idea that it will be necessary not only to sweeten the water of the orators but probably also their speeches, from "News of the Day"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1867, showing a sugar loaf as a personified figure terrified by the role awaiting it. The print belongs to the series 'News of the Day' and is the second of two states, printed on newsprint.
Description
On the left, a person raises a glass of liquid, while on the right a humanized sugar loaf hovers, hand raised in protest. A bell on a pedestal appears in the background, and at the bottom edge is a coat of arms with a circle and emblem. The text printed below the image reads: 'Le Pain de sucre effrayé à l'idée qu'il faudra sucer non seulement les verres d'eau, mais probablement aussi les discours.'
Context
In January 1867, Daumier created this print for the satirical journal 'Le Charivari,' as part of the series 'Actualités.' The caricature refers to public debates in the French Legislative Corps, where speakers often gave long and wordy speeches. The bell and coat of arms point to the parliamentary sphere, in which Daumier mocks politicians' rhetoric.
Impact
The exaggeration of the situation creates a comic effect: a sugar loaf afraid of having to sweeten speeches emphasizes the absurdity of political rhetoric. Because an everyday object is given a human reaction, the caricature feels immediately understandable and amusing.
Technique
For this print, Daumier used lithography, a common printing technique at the time that allowed quick and inexpensive editions. It was printed on newsprint, underscoring the ephemeral nature of the satire. This is the second of two states, suggesting later revisions to the printing plate.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)