← Honoré Daumier

Which proves that physical imprisonment is not abolished everywhere, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, August 10, 1867

Original title: Which proves that physical imprisonment is not abolished everywhere, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, August 10, 1867

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

August 10, 1867

Medium

Lithograph on newsprint; fourth state of four (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 9 11/16 × 8 3/8 in. (24.6 × 21.3 cm) Sheet: 11 1/2 × 11 11/16 in. (29.2 × 29.7 cm)

Credit line

Gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1954

kurzbeschreibung

This 1867 lithograph by Honoré Daumier presents a procession-like scene: two emaciated figures are dragged by a person into a street labeled 'HANNOVER', while another figure shakes a door marked 'PRISON'. In the background, a door labeled 'IRLANDE' appears. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and addresses ongoing imprisonment in Europe.

Description

Two gaunt, visibly suffering figures are pulled by a person into a street named 'HANNOVER'. Another figure tries to open a door marked 'PRISON', while behind it a door labeled 'IRLANDE' can be seen. The layout feels dynamic and emphasizes the bodily movements of those involved. The lithograph is executed in black and white with gradations of gray and black; the style is caricatural and humorous with exaggerated forms.

Context

The lithograph was published on August 10, 1867, in the French satirical magazine 'Le Charivari' as part of the series 'News of the day'. Daumier thus referred to political events of his time, especially the situation in Hannover and Ireland, where physical captivity persisted despite modern achievements. The sheet is part of Daumier's critical engagement with social and political grievances of the era.

Impact

Through the exaggerated figures and ironic labels, the caricature has a satirical effect that prompts viewers to reflect on the injustice of imprisonment. The dynamic arrangement and the distress of the figures create a sense of urgency and critique that remains relevant today.

Technique

The work was executed as a lithograph on newsprint, a process widely used for caricatures in the 19th century. Daumier employed lithography to achieve fine lines and shading that give the figures liveliness. This is the fourth of four states (Delteil), indicating careful revision of the print.

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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)