Plate 6: Stockholders' assembly, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
Original title: Plate 6: Stockholders' assembly, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier made this color lithograph in 1838, presenting a shareholders' meeting held up to ridicule. The sheet belongs to the 'Caricaturana' series and appeared in 'Les Robert Macaires'. The image was executed as a color lithograph on wove paper, in the second state according to Delteil.
Description
A woman in a yellow dress with red stripes and a red scarf leans over a table, apparently taking the floor, with a microphone set before her. A man in a dark blue suit and white shirt has his arms crossed and looks toward her. Behind the pair, several formally dressed figures follow what is happening. The colors stand out strongly, and the drawing is precise in detail, especially in the faces and garments. Light falls evenly across the scene, without harsh shadows.
Context
During France's July Monarchy, political and social satire flourished in papers such as 'Le Charivari'. The 'Caricaturana' series came about in this period. Daumier often attacked the greed and hypocrisy of the bourgeoisie, particularly in connection with financial speculation. Robert Macaire, a swindler and impostor, recurs again and again in his caricatures, lashing the corruption of society.
Impact
Exaggerated expressions and bright colors give the sheet an immediately comic, satirical edge. By parading the shareholders' meeting before the viewer, the print makes its seriousness look ridiculous and criticizes the speculative culture of the era.
Technique
For the color lithograph, the stone is drawn on with greasy chalk and then printed; the paper is wove. The second state (Delteil) suggests reworking or strengthened colors. The lithographic process allowed fine lines and flat areas of color, which suited Daumier's richly detailed caricatures.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)