Consultations that are not free of charge, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, February 3, 1868
Original title: Consultations that are not free of charge, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, February 3, 1868
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's 1868 lithograph, part of the "News of the day" series, pokes fun at a scene in which three doctors stand outside their colleagues' doors. The doors bear lettering such as "DOCTEUR CHASSEFOY." The sheet was printed on newsprint and published in the magazine Le Charivari.
Description
Three figures in long robes and hats have gathered before tall doors. The names "DOCTEUR CHASSEFOY," "DOCTEUR DREYSE," and "DOCTEUR NOEL" can be read on them. The figures look deep in conversation while they study the doors. Caricatural style, with exaggerated features and black-and-white tonality, is typical of the lithograph.
Context
On February 3, 1868, the sheet appeared in the satirical magazine Le Charivari. Daumier contributed it to his "News of the day" series, which took up current social topics. The title alludes to the custom of the time that medical consultations cost money, a circumstance the caricature takes a critical jab at.
Impact
Exaggerated portrayals and the ironic door inscriptions produce a comic effect. At the same time, the print prompts reflection on the cost of medical care. Even lighting and clear contours in the lithograph reinforce the satirical message.
Technique
For the lithograph, a drawing was transferred to a stone and then printed on paper. Daumier used this process, and the work appeared on newsprint, as was usual for caricatures in magazines. According to the Delteil catalogue raisonné, this is the second state of two.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)