Imitation of the Laocoön-group, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 6, 1868
Original title: Imitation of the Laocoön-group, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 6, 1868
kurzbeschreibung
Two figures, entangled by a snake, their garments marked 'FENIANISM' and 'REPUBLICANISM' — Honoré Daumier's 1868 lithograph takes aim at the famous Laocoön group. It is a political caricature that borrows the ancient model to comment satirically on current affairs.
Description
A female figure sits forward in a dramatic pose, fending off a snake with arms and legs. Across her clothing run the words 'FENIANISM' and 'CONSPIRACY'. Beside her crouches a male figure, his garment labelled 'REPUBLICANISM'. The snake coils around both but is being pulled away from the woman. The background stays empty; the black-and-white drawing relies on clear contours and exaggerated caricatural gestures.
Context
The lithograph appeared on 6 April 1868 in the French satirical journal Le Charivari. Daumier took up the day's political topics there, among them Fenianism and republican aspirations. The ancient Laocoön group served as a widely familiar model, which he parodied. The print belongs to Daumier's series 'Actualités', in which he regularly commented on political and social events.
Impact
Setting the lofty antique sculpture against present-day political conflict produces a blend of humour and critique. The overblown gestures and the labelled garments draw attention to the absurdity of the situation. Concentrating on a few elements sharpens the satirical point.
Technique
The lithograph on newsprint is the second state of two (Delteil). Lithography allowed fine lines and strong contrasts, put to use here for caricatural effect. The sheet measures 11 3/4 × 11 1/4 inches (29.8 × 28.5 cm).
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)