Not too short please, from 'News of the day,' published in 'Le Charivari'
Original title: Not too short please, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"
kurzbeschreibung
Two allegorical figures fill the sheet by Honoré Daumier: a kneeling one holds a shield inscribed 'CONSTITUTION', while a standing one wears a garment labeled 'LIBERTÉ'. This lithograph, titled 'Pas trop écourté, s'il vous plaît' (Not too short, if you please), was made on August 23, 1869, as part of the 'Actualités' series and published in the journal 'Le Charivari'. It is the second state of two on wove paper.
Description
Clad in classical-style robes, the two figures face each other in a bare landscape. One kneels, presenting a shield marked 'CONSTITUTION'; the other stands upright, her gown bearing the word 'LIBERTÉ'. At the top of the sheet appear the series title 'ACTUALITÉS' and the page number '192'. The bottom is anchored by the French phrase 'Pas trop écourté, s'il vous plaît.'
Context
Daumier created this lithograph for the satirical journal 'Le Charivari', famous for its political caricatures. In 1869 France was tense politically: the Second Empire under Napoleon III was promising liberal reforms. The pairing of 'Constitution' and 'Liberté' points to the civil liberties then under threat. The print appeared on August 23, 1869, within the 'Actualités' series.
Impact
An ironic tension arises between the kneeling, submissive posture of 'Constitution' and the upright, self-assured stance of 'Liberté'. Sparse background elements draw attention to the figures and their inscriptions. The title 'Not too short, if you please' reinforces the satirical tone, alluding to negotiations over the constitution.
Technique
The sheet was printed in black as a lithograph on wove paper. This process allows fine lines and shading, visible in the garments and faces. The second of two states is assumed, suggesting the plate was reworked.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)