Plate 26: Marriage of convenience, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
Original title: Plate 26: Marriage of convenience, from 'Caricaturana,' published in Les Robert Macaires
kurzbeschreibung
Honoré Daumier's 1838 lithograph Tafel 26: Vernunftehe presents a satirical scene of an arranged marriage. The print belongs to the Caricaturana series, published in the journal Les Robert Macaires. It was printed on wove paper and is the second state of two.
Description
In a plain interior with curtains and a carpet, two figures face each other: a man in a dark suit stands upright, speaking with a gesturing hand, while a woman in a light, long dress sits on an ornate armchair and listens attentively. The drawing combines realistic traits with caricatural exaggeration, in black and white. Below the scene, dialogue text is inserted.
Context
The Caricaturana series was created in the 1830s as a commentary on the social conditions of the July Monarchy. The figure of Robert Macaire, a rogue and impostor, was a popular stage character whom Daumier used for his satires. The series was published in the journal Les Robert Macaires, which addressed social grievances. The lithograph was made under conditions of political censorship, which led Daumier to indirect criticism.
Impact
By combining realistic drawing with caricatural exaggeration, the print unfolds an ironic, revealing effect. Postures and gestures emphasize the distance between the figures and the artificiality of the situation. The viewer becomes a critical observer of a social farce.
Technique
For the print on wove paper, Daumier used crayon lithography, which allows fine tonal gradations and shading. The present second state indicates later corrections or additions to the plate. Precise lines and a nuanced gray scale demonstrate Daumier's skill in this medium.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)