At the Fireworks
Honore Daumier (1808-1879), The Fireworks (Le Feu D’Artifice), lithograph, 1840. Reference: Daumier Register 656, second state (of three). Published initially in this state in Actualities as number 14 in this series; then later in state 3 in La Charivari. A sur blanc impression, in very good condition, printed on a cream wove paper, 11 5/8 x 8, the sheet 13 3/4 x 10 inches, archival mounting.
A fine fresh impression of this night scene, with dark charcoal blacks contrasting with the light of the woman lower left and the father.
This sur blanc impression has no lettering verso; it is from the rare collector’s limited edition, made at the time of the publication of the lithograph in newsprint for collectors who wanted the Daumier lithographic composition on a heavier paper than the newsprint, and without the interference of the newsprint in the image.
Taken unabashedly from the invaluable Daumier Register, here’s a translation:
Original Text:
LE FEU D’ARTIFICE.
Un Père est un traiteau donné par la nature.
Translation:
AT THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.
A father is a draft horse, provided by nature.
$250
Detail