← Honoré Daumier

On Sentry Duty: Autumn – and the password? Time–Fraternity and artillery, from "News of the day"

Original title: On Sentry Duty: Autumn – and the password? Time–Fraternity and artillery, from "News of the day"

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

September 30, 1867

Medium

Lithograph on newsprint; third state of three (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 9 7/16 × 8 9/16 in. (24 × 21.8 cm) Sheet: 11 3/4 × 9 11/16 in. (29.9 × 24.6 cm)

Credit line

Bequest of Edwin De T. Bechtel, 1957

kurzbeschreibung

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph on September 30, 1867, as part of his series 'News of the Day.' Titled 'On Guard: Autumn – and the Password? Time – Brotherhood and Artillery,' the print places two allegorical figures in the foreground. It is executed as a lithograph on newsprint.

Description

Two figures dominate the foreground: a crowned woman with a scythe, representing Autumn, and a man in classical-style robes with a sword, appearing as a guard or warrior. Both wear traditional clothing reminiscent of mythological figures. Behind them, other, less distinct figures are suggested, sketched with less detail. The black-and-white image features evenly distributed light without strong shadows; realistic traits combine with symbolic elements.

Context

The print was created in September 1867, during the Second Empire under Napoleon III. Daumier published it within his satirical series 'News of the Day,' which addressed political and social issues. The title alludes to the Prussian threat and the precarious peace in Europe; 'brotherhood' is set ironically against 'artillery.' This is the third of three states (Delteil), printed on newsprint as was common for Daumier's graphic works.

Impact

The clear confrontation of scythe and sword, along with the calm, even lighting, gives the image a reflective, allegorical quality. The combination of realistic depiction and symbolic elevation creates a timeless, admonitory character that reinforces the political undertone.

Technique

Daumier chose lithography for this print, a planographic process that allows fine lines and tonal gradations. It was printed on newsprint, a thin, absorbent material that slightly reduces the sharpness of the drawing. The print is the third of three states (Delteil), indicating reworking of the plate. With image dimensions of 24 × 21.8 cm, the work has a compact format suited for newspaper publication.

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