Every toss loses, from "News of the Day"
Original title: Every toss loses, from "News of the Day"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier published 'Jeder Wurf ist verloren' in September 1868 as part of his series 'Nachrichten des Tages'. The lithograph offers a satirical allegory of European politics: a woman personifying Europe hurls a ball at a coffin labeled 'NAIVES', while the accompanying text 'À TOUT COUP L'ON PERD!' underscores the sense of hopelessness.
Description
A female figure throws a ball toward a coffin. The coffin bears the word 'NAIVES', and a face drawn on it—mouth agape, eyes wide—conveys horror. Above the woman, the word 'EUROPE' stands out; along the bottom runs the line 'À TOUT COUP L'ON PERD!' (One always loses!). The layout remains uncluttered; the figures are drawn simply and effectively, executed as a single-color lithograph with hatching that suggests light and shadow.
Context
Daumier made this print for the satirical journal 'Le Charivari', to which he regularly contributed political and social commentary. Its publication on September 15, 1868, fell during a period of political tension in France under Napoleon III. The idea of representing Europe as a woman losing at a game of chance reflects Daumier's critical view of the European powers, which, through naive expectations, repeatedly suffered disappointments.
Impact
The print achieves its effect through clear symbols and the exaggerated features of the coffin's face. The contrast between the humorous drawing and the bitter message creates a satirical edge that prompts viewers to reflect on political naivety.
Technique
Executed as a lithograph on newsprint, the work is the second of two states (Delteil). The lithographic process allows for fine lines and hatching, used here to model light and shadow. The monochrome printing on newsprint emphasizes the ephemeral, topical character of the satire.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)