The French paper "Le Chariviri" was named for “ritratti caricati” - absurd portraits and figures, literally translated: overloaded portraits. It appeared first in 1832 and published every day a new lithograph, unless it was prohibited by censorship. The caricatures were printed directly onto the page, therefore with text au verso, which shows through the print. This complicated the printing process, requiring one step for the written text and another one for the illustration.
This original print by Honoré Daumier is #906, from a 1956 issue. It is in great condition for its age. There are two partial pieces of mounting tape on the reverse of the image. One caused a 1/4 inch tear on the top - shown in the last picture - and would be unseen when framed. There is a fold in the center from distribution that has flattened significantly and a couple stray marks or stains - to be expected from a circulated paper.
The title "La Pisciculture," translated as "Fish farm" is top center.
Caption: - Prenez-garde!... ne les agacez pas trop... ce sont de petits requins agés de six semaines, mais déja trés mechants!.... le moment est venu d'essayer l'acclimatation des requins dans les eaux de la seine!...
Translation: - "Be careful!... don't annoy them too much... they are little six-week-old sharks, but already very wicked!.... the time has come to try the acclimatization of sharks in the waters of the Seine!..."
"La Pisciculture," Honoré Daumier, 1856. As published in Le Charivari newspaper,
Printer: Destouches (Paris)
Lithograph on newsprint
Dimensions: 9.25 in. H x 12.5 in. W
Signed within the litho stone buying
Product code: Honore Daumier buying - "La Pisciculture" litho from Le Charivari, 1856