← Honoré Daumier

The 56, or the trappists of politics: –Tough to have a session in front of your own grave!, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 8, 1870

Original title: The 56, or the trappists of politics: –Tough to have a session in front of your own grave!, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, April 8, 1870

Artist

Honoré Daumier

Date

April 8, 1870

Medium

Lithograph on newsprint; third state of three (Delteil)

Dimensions

Image: 9 3/16 × 8 7/16 in. (23.3 × 21.4 cm) Sheet: 11 9/16 × 10 7/16 in. (29.3 × 26.5 cm)

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1953

kurzbeschreibung

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph in 1870, showing a group of men at a funeral, their gaze fixed on a row of crosses. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and appeared on 8 April 1870 in Le Charivari. It is the third of three states (Delteil).

Description

A line of men stands looking at crosses in a cemetery. The crosses bear numbers that refer to the deceased. The figures appear serious and withdrawn, like Trappist monks. The accompanying text reads: 'Les 56 ou les trappistes de la politique. — Dur tout de même d'être obligé de siéger en face de sa tombe!...'

Context

The lithograph was created during the political crisis in France before the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Daumier likely caricatures a political faction or group confronted with death or decline. The number 56 may refer to a specific number of deputies or a grouping. The print was published in the satirical newspaper Le Charivari, for which Daumier worked regularly.

Impact

The juxtaposition of a political session and a graveside scene creates a gloomy, ironic mood. The contrast between solemn mourning and banal political routine gives the image satirical edge. The caption heightens the bitter humor.

Technique

Daumier used lithography on newsprint, a typical process for his satirical prints. This technique allowed fine lines and shading to be used in the caricature. The print is in the third of three states, indicating reworking of the printing plate.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)