Why the hell does Mars still have a weapon?, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
Original title: Why the hell does Mars still have a weapon?, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier pokes fun at Mars, the god of war, who poses with a weapon next to a peaceful angel in this 1868 lithograph. The print belongs to the 'News of the day' series from the magazine Le Charivari and stands as a prime example of Daumier's political caricature.
Description
Two figures face each other on a plain ground: on the left, Mars in simple garb and a headpiece that looks like a cook's hat, a weapon in hand; on the right, a small winged angel kneels with flowers. The layout is asymmetrical, with Mars on the left and the angel on the right. Black and white and monochrome, the print has the typical look of a lithograph.
Context
Daumier made this lithograph for the satirical newspaper Le Charivari, where he regularly commented on political and social issues. It appeared in March 1868, shortly before the Franco-Prussian War, as tensions were mounting in Europe. With the figure of Mars, Daumier took up the absurdity of war and militarism—a motif that runs through his work.
Impact
By setting the armed Mars against the flower-holding angel, an ironic tension arises. The caricatural features and Mars's unusual headgear give the scene a humorous yet thoughtful tone. The print thus prompts reflection on the senselessness of war.
Technique
The lithograph was printed on newsprint; it is the second state of two (Delteil). Daumier drew directly on the lithographic stone, which allowed for fine lines and subtle shading. At about 25 × 21 cm, the format matches that of contemporary satirical single sheets.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)