An Englishman at Mabille (Un Anglais à Mabille), from "Galerie pour Rire," no. 34
Original title: An Englishman at Mabille (Un Anglais à Mabille), from "Galerie pour Rire," no. 34
kurzbeschreibung
Gustave Doré's 1861 color lithograph 'Ein Engländer im Mabille' (An Englishman at Mabille) presents a caricatured English visitor in a Parisian pleasure spot. It comes from the series 'Galerie pour Rire' and is executed as a color lithograph.
Description
At a table sits a gentleman in a white suit and tall top hat, cigar in mouth. Spectacles and a black cravat complete his attire. A teapot, coffee cup, glass, and bottle stand before him. Green plants fill the background. The curly hair and exaggerated nose stand out. Light falling from the left brings out the details.
Context
Doré created this print in 1861, during his work for the humorous series 'Galerie pour Rire'. The title refers to the Jardin Mabille, a Parisian pleasure garden with dance events. Doré caricatures an English visitor, drawing on a popular national stereotype of the time. The lithograph belongs to a series that satirically exaggerates everyday scenes.
Impact
The exaggerated facial features and the odd arrangement of objects create a humorous, caricature-like impression. The strong contrast between the white suit and green background draws attention to the figure and emphasizes its bizarre appearance.
Technique
The color lithograph relies on the repulsion of grease and water in printing. The image measures 44.1 x 34 cm, the sheet 61.6 x 47.7 cm. In its lively colorfulness, the print uses contrasts that heighten the caricature.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)