The cursed year!
Original title: The cursed year!, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 1, 1872
kurzbeschreibung
On January 1, 1872, Honoré Daumier’s lithograph 'The Accursed Year!' appeared: a skeleton with a scythe sits enthroned on a cart bearing the number 1871. The print belongs to the series 'News of the day' and was published in 'Le Charivari'.
Description
Drawn by the stark contrast, the eye first lands on the crouching skeleton with its scythe, perched on a carriage-like vehicle; on its side, the year 1871 stands out. Around it, fragments of text suggest newspaper articles. Black and white clash harshly, outlines are sharply drawn, and the layout funnels everything toward the figure of death and its cart.
Context
The print was published on January 1, 1872, in the satirical journal 'Le Charivari', within the series 'News of the day'. Daumier was responding to the end of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, which had defined 1871. Defeat and civil war weighed on that year, explaining the grim scene. The artist was known for his political caricatures, with which he critically followed current events.
Impact
The print feels threatening and dark, because death here stands bodily for the year 1871. Hard contours and abrupt contrast heighten the expressive tension. Involuntarily, one is reminded of the horrors of the past year.
Technique
The work was executed as a lithograph on newsprint, in the second state of two (Delteil). This printing process allowed the satirical press rapid and inexpensive reproduction. Fine lines and shading can be achieved with it, here used for clear outlines and strong contrast.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)