Too fat, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, November 16, 1867
Original title: Too fat, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, November 16, 1867
kurzbeschreibung
A small figure straddles the back of a bulky, helmeted man, and the word "PRUSS" is written across the smaller one's clothing. Honoré Daumier drew this satirical scene in 1867 as a lithograph worked over with pen and brown ink on newsprint; it belongs to the series "Neueste Nachrichten" and survives here as a proof of the third state.
Description
An oversized, helmeted body fills the sheet, while a slight figure perches on its shoulders with "PRUSS" legible on the garment. The main character stares out broadly and with assurance; several onlookers behind follow what is happening. Foreground and spectators are arranged in receding steps, contours stay crisp, and the monochrome lithograph keeps an even brightness without harsh shadows.
Context
Daumier made the lithograph in 1867 for the satirical journal Le Charivari, where he regularly published political and social caricatures. Within "Neueste Nachrichten" the sheet targets tensions in Europe, above all Prussia's drive to expand. "PRUSS" points to Prussia, which was extending its power under Otto von Bismarck. The caricature suggests what a burden that policy placed on other nations.
Impact
The exaggerated proportions and comic tone register at once. Satirical tension grows out of the contrast between the heavy central figure and the small load riding on its back. Even lighting and clear outlines keep the political point easy to read.
Technique
As a lithograph, the image could be reproduced quickly for newspaper printing while still allowing delicate lines. Daumier then reworked the print with pen and brown ink on newsprint. That a proof of the third of three states is at hand speaks to careful treatment by the artist.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)