Don't look in that direction, don't you see that it's just a scare-crow, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"

Art Historical Context

In the bustling world of 19th-century French satire, Honoré Daum reigns supreme as a master caricaturist, and *Don't look in that direction, you see that it's just scare-crow* exemplifies his sharp wit. Published on December 9, 1869, in the daily humor magazine *Le Charivari* as part of the "News of the day", this lithograph captures moment of rural folly. Amid the Second Empire's social upheavals under Napoleon III, Daum often skewered human folly, politics, and everyday life through exaggerated figures and expressive gestures. Here, tags hint at a comical encounter involving men, women, and a sunlit scarecrow—likely a gullible figure mistaking the ragged effigy for something sinister, only to be chided with folksy reassurance. Daumier's lithography on wove paper, in its second state of two (as cataloged by Delteil), showcases his technical prowess: fluid lines and tonal shading allowed for mass reproduction, making satire accessible to the masses. Printed possibly with assistance from Walter Frères and Arnaud de Vresse, the image measures a compact 9 11/16 × 8 7/8 inches, perfect for newspaper pages. This work reflects Daumier's Realism-infused caricature style, blending humor with subtle critique of superstition or fear-mongering, resonant in a era of rapid modernization. Acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1922, it's now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department—a testament to Daumier's enduring legacy as the "Michelangelo of caricature," who produced over 4,000 lithographs lampooning French society.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Walter Frères|Arnaud de Vresse · 1810–1879

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (1808-1879) was a prolific French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor whose works offered incisive commentary on the social and political life of 19th-century France. Known as the 'Michelangelo of Caricature,' Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs, 500 paintings, 1,000 drawings, and 100 sculptures during his lifetime. His biting political satire led to his imp...