Annoying all the same, Master, that they now accept slanderous proof in all matters of financial issues. –Bertrand, you are making me sick! When you have the money why do you still need the honor?, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, June 10, 1870
Original title: –Annoying all the same, Master, that they now accept slanderous proof in all matters of financial issues. –Bertrand, you are making me sick! When you have the money why do you still need the honor?, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, June 10, 1870
kurzbeschreibung
This lithograph from 1870 by Honoré Daumier captures a satirical encounter between two men at a table. It belongs to the series 'News of the day' and appeared on June 10, 1870, in 'Le Charivari'. The black-and-white print measures 24.3 × 20.8 cm.
Description
Two figures sit facing each other across a table: on the left, a man in dark clothing with a hat, holding a paper in his hand and apparently speaking; on the right, a man in light-colored garments with a cap, his arms crossed, with a worried expression. The layout is confined to the table and the figures, leaving the background empty. Below the scene are lines of text alluding to the political and financial situation. Gray and brown tones predominate, as is typical for lithographs of the period, and the light is even, without harsh shadows.
Context
On June 10, 1870, the print was published in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari' as part of the series 'News of the day'. In this series, Daumier addressed current political and social events, often with a critical edge. The caption links money and honor—a theme that gained importance during the Second French Empire and the financial scandals of those years. This is the second state of two (Delteil).
Impact
The exaggerated facial features and the contrasting postures of the two men create an immediately satirical effect. Because the arrangement is reduced, attention falls on their expressions and gestures, and the critical message stands out clearly. The calm, almost static composition heightens the ironic content of the dialogue.
Technique
The print was made as a lithograph on newsprint in black and white. This process allows for fine lines and gradations, which are used for the expressive figures. The present impression is the second state of the print, indicating that the plate was reworked.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)