← Honoré Daumier

Looking everywhere for their king, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, October 4, 1867 (October 4, 1867, Met-Objekt 3481)

Original title: Looking everywhere for their king, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, October 4, 1867

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

October 4, 1867

Medium

Lithograph and pen and brown ink on newsprint; third state of three, proof (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 10 3/16 × 8 3/16 in. (25.8 × 20.8 cm) Sheet: 13 11/16 × 10 13/16 in. (34.7 × 27.4 cm)

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1956

kurzbeschreibung

Daumier made this print in 1867 for his series 'Actualités': a lithograph with pen and brown ink showing three figures in a troubled situation. One figure, seated in an armchair, appears desperate, while two others seem to offer support or consolation. The work was published in the satirical journal Le Charivari.

Description

Three people fill the image: one sits in an armchair, wears a garment that looks historical, and is visibly sunk in sorrow. The other two are in motion, evidently to support or calm the seated figure. Faces and postures are expressive and carry the dramatic, emotional tone. The background stays bare, making the figures stand out. Black and white dominate; light falls evenly without noticeable shadows, as was usual for lithographs of the time. Realistic traits mix with caricature-like exaggeration in facial expression and gesture.

Context

Daumier drew this sheet for Le Charivari, where it appeared on 4 October 1867; it belongs to the 'Actualités' series, with which he followed political and social events of his day. The title refers to the search for a king and can be read against the background of Napoleon III's rule. This is the third of three states, a proof, executed in lithography with pen and brown ink on newsprint.

Impact

The expressive faces and body movements communicate directly and give the scene a dramatic quality. Because color and background are restrained, the viewer's attention goes entirely to the three figures and their interaction; this creates a dense, almost intimate mood.

Technique

The print was made by lithography, after which Daumier reworked the sheet with pen and brown ink on newsprint. The third of three states is present, a proof according to Delteil. The lithographic process allowed finely graded lines and shading, while the pen drawing added further details and accents.

AI-generated description text

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