After all, public opinion is really pushing hard, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 16, 1869
Original title: After all, public opinion is really pushing hard, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 16, 1869
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier’s 1869 lithograph presents public opinion as an allegorical female figure bearing the word “PROLONGATION.” This caricatural print appeared on January 16, 1869, in the newspaper Le Charivari.
Description
A woman in a long, flowing gown stands in a room with an open door and looks to the left; her posture seems anxious or pensive. On her face, the word “PROLONGATION” is prominently displayed. Below, one reads the French sentence “Ca pousse tout de même fort l'Opinion publique!”, at the top the heading “ACTUALITES” and the page number “227.” The black-and-white reproduction feels caricatural and humorous.
Context
Daumier published this print as part of his “Actualités” series in the satirical newspaper Le Charivari. It takes up the public debate over a prolongation (PROLONGATION), likely in connection with political or military events in France. The caricature was made as opposition to the Second Empire of Napoleon III was growing; Daumier used lithography as a means of political and social criticism.
Impact
The combination of an allegorical figure with a topical political catchword creates ironic distance. The woman’s thoughtful pose and the inscription prompt reflection on the role of public opinion. Humor and seriousness join in a way typical of Daumier.
Technique
Executed as a lithograph on newsprint, the sheet is the second of two states (Delteil). The lithographic process allows fine lines and shading, used here for facial expression and texture. At about 24 × 21 cm (image), the format is compact and suited to newspaper printing.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)