Author(s):
grandville (nancy, 15–09–1803 - vanves, 17–03–1847), designer
other title: the metamorphoses of the day (title of the series)
production date: between 1828 and 1829
type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print
name(s): print
materials and techniques: lithography
dimensions - artwork:
height: 27. 2cm
width: 36. 6cm
dimensions - image:
height: 17. 5cm
width: 20. 8cm
dimensions - mounting:
height: 50cm
width: 40cm
marks, inscriptions, hallmarks:
signature - j. Granville
iconographic description:
the scene takes place in the back of an omnibus. It is stopped, we see through the window that several people are already seated inside. They are humans with animal heads: a dog, a parakeet, a rhino and an ox. Outside, the coachman talks with a couple of travelers waiting to board. A well-dressed lady with the head of a stork seems very angry. She points behind her to a couple of workers, the mouse-headed man carrying a long wooden tool and the monkey-headed woman carrying small sticks. The stork's husband, wearing a hat, frock coat and high collar, stands upright at his side, he has a bird's head. Excerpt from métamorphoses du jour (editions gustave havard libraire, paris, 1854): "if the principle of equality were banished from the rest of the earth, we would find it in the interior of an omnibus. If you paid the price of your seat with gold or copper, you have the right to sit on its blue benches. [. . . ] omnibus, in latin, means to all, and in french too, god be praised!”
themes / subjects / places represented:
subject of society, morals, bird, stork, mouse, monkey, diligence - coach, chimney sweep
mode of acquisition: purchase
date of acquisition: 21–02–1986
institution: maison de balzac
inventory number: bal925(y). Date: Entre 1828 et 1829.
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