Between two chairs, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 15, 1869
Original title: Between two chairs, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 15, 1869
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's lithograph 'Zwischen zwei Stühlen' (Between Two Chairs), dated 15 April 1869, presents a turbulent scene reminiscent of a theatre or arena: a man flees from two galloping horses while an audience watches from behind. Printed on newsprint, this is the second of two states.
Description
A man with arms flung high and face contorted runs from two charging horses—this pose dominates the image. Several spectators turn their gaze toward the action. The layout thrusts forward, entirely oriented toward the pursuit. Grey tones prevail, as is typical for lithographs; the light falls evenly, without pronounced shadows or highlights.
Context
The print appeared in the satirical newspaper 'Le Charivari' under the heading 'News of the Day'. It was made in April 1869, when France was marked by political and social tensions. The caricature presumably takes up a current event or a social grievance, though the exact reference has not been passed down.
Impact
At first glance, the exaggerated gestures and the fleeing man's grimace seize the viewer—an effect poised between comedy and satire. The galloping horses inject tension, almost a chaotic pull that the eye can hardly resist.
Technique
The lithograph was produced by printing on newsprint: a grease crayon is drawn on a stone and then printed. Clear lines and graduated shading bring out the figures and setting. According to Delteil, this is the second of two states.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)