No my children... you are not part of this play here!, from "News of the day"
Original title: No my children... you are not part of this play here!, from "News of the day"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's 1867 lithograph skewers the Paris World's Fair with grim humor: Death, shovel in hand, stands at the center, surrounded by terrified people. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and survives in two states.
Description
In the foreground, a burly figure embodying Death holds a shovel and extends one hand. Beneath him, several people panic—some lie on the ground, others seem to flee. A sign in the background reads 'THEATRE DE L'EXPOSITION' and 'L'EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE GRANDE FEERIE INDUSTRIELLE SUIVIE DE...'. Black and white, with harsh contrasts and detailed lines, the image feels threatening.
Context
The occasion was the 1867 Paris World's Fair, intended as a showcase of industrial and cultural achievement. In his series 'News of the day,' Daumier addressed social and political ills. Death as a motif points to the dark side of progress and industrialization. Published on March 8, 1867, the print is known in two states.
Impact
An oppressive mood arises, highlighting the contrast between official exhibition euphoria and the real dangers of the time. The exaggerated figures and somber death symbolism give the sheet an urgent, almost apocalyptic air. The viewer is confronted directly with the conflict between progress and mortality.
Technique
Lithography on newsprint—a process typical of Daumier's satirical graphics. It allows fine lines and strong light-dark contrasts, which here carry the dramatic effect. The print is the second state of two, as noted in the Delteil catalogue.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)