What do they see inside?, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
Original title: What do they see inside?, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'What Do They See in It?' appeared on October 14, 1868, in the satirical journal Le Charivari. It shows a curious crowd peering into an oversized ink bottle. This impression is the second state on newsprint and belongs to the series 'News of the Day'.
Description
A gigantic ink bottle labeled 'BOUTEILLE A L'ENCRE' dominates the center. Several people climb ladders to peek through the opening, while a dense crowd presses behind them. The arrangement is symmetrically focused on the bottle. Black and white with even brightness and no strong shadows; the caricatural style emphasizes the figures and is underscored by the question 'Que voient-ils dedans ???'.
Context
Daumier made this print for the satirical daily Le Charivari, where he regularly published political and social caricatures. It came out on October 14, 1868, a time of political tension in France under Napoleon III. The series 'News of the Day' took up current events and social phenomena. The ink bottle alludes to the public's fascination with the press and opinion-making.
Impact
The absurd situation of adults on ladders staring into a bottle is comic. The symmetrical layout and the curious gazes direct attention to the central object and prompt viewers to ponder the question 'What do they see in it?' Humor combines with subtle criticism of the audience's craving for sensation.
Technique
Lithograph on newsprint, second of two states (Delteil). Lithography allowed fine lines and shading, which were used for the caricatural effect. The print is black and white with even tonal values and no strong contrasts.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)