Poor France... the trunk was struck by lightning, but the roots hold fast, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, February 1, 1871

Art Historical Context

In the turbulent final days of the Franco-Prussian War,é Daumier captured's resilient spirit with this poignant lithograph, *Poor France... the trunk struck by lightning, but roots hold fast*, published the satirical newspaper *Le Charari* on February , 1871. Daumier, a masteraturist and leading figure in 19th-century French satire, uses the allegory of a mighty tree—its trunk split by lightning—to symbolize the battered French Empire under Napoleon III, recently toppled after humiliating defeats. Yet the deep roots clinging to the earth evoke enduring national strength and hope amid the siege of Paris and political upheaval. Printed as a lithograph on newsprint in the second state of three (per Delteil cataloguing), the work exemplifies Daumier's virtuoso technique in lithography, allowing for bold, expressive lines and tonal depth on inexpensive paper for wide dissemination. This medium was ideal for his incisive social commentary, blending realism with caricature to critique power while rallying public morale. At 9 3/16 × 7 11/16 inches, its compact size suited daily news consumption, making satire accessible to all. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Rogers Fund, 1922), this piece highlights Daumier's role in shaping political discourse, reminding visitors of art's power to console and provoke during national crisis.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 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...