Christmas presents in 1868, from "News of the day"
Original title: Christmas presents in 1868, from "News of the day"
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'Weihnachtsgeschenke im Jahr 1868' (Christmas Gifts in 1868), dated 25 December 1868, caricatures the political situation: a woman representing Europe struggles under a heavy load on her back and looks toward a window through which cannonballs fly into the room. Printed on newsprint, it belongs to the series 'Nachrichten des Tages' (News of the Day).
Description
A female figure, with 'EUROPE' inscribed across her back, leans to the left and fixes her gaze on a window. Through the opening several cannonballs enter, and more already lie on the floor. She wears a long robe and a headscarf. The window is indicated only by a thin line, beyond which vague trees or buildings can be made out. The monochrome rendering uses areas of light and shadow that suggest illumination from outside.
Context
Daumier drew this lithograph for the satirical journal 'Le Charivari'; it appeared on Christmas Day 1868. The print addresses political tensions in Europe, above all the threat of war and the arms build-up of those years. When the figure of Europe receives cannonballs as 'gifts', it alludes to hopes for peace and the military reality. The work falls in a period of growing nationalism and armament that culminated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71.
Impact
The ironic conceit—cannonballs as Christmas presents—undercuts the expectation of a reflective holiday and creates a satirical contrast. The bent posture of the Europe figure expresses oppression and helplessness and reinforces the critique of political conditions. The reduced, monochrome execution directs attention to the symbolism and the clear message of the print.
Technique
The work is executed as a lithograph on newsprint, in the second state of two (Delteil). This process allowed Daumier fine lines and shading essential to the caricatural effect. Printing on newsprint matched publication in satirical journals and emphasized the topical, day-to-day political reference.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)