Shwell... this is what I call a shplendid job.... and for shust five chous per pound!... (Ché cha une belle chaudronnerie!... et qu'il y en a pour de l'argent cheulement à chinq chous la livre!....)

Title

Shwell... this is what I call a shplendid job.... and for shust five chous per pound!... (Ché cha une belle chaudronnerie!... et qu'il y en a pour de l'argent cheulement à chinq chous la livre!....)

Creator

Honoré Daumier
French, 1808–1879
Published in Le Charivari, June 7, 1865

Description

Not all newsprint is created equal. One of the more remarkable aspects of this page from the Parisian newspaper Le Charivari is how fresh it appears. Printed nearly 150 years ago, it bears very little of the yellowing that begins to occur with today’s newspapers after just a few days. One reason is because it contains little if any of the wood pulp that, just a few years after this edition of Le Charivari was printed, quickly became a major component of newsprint.

Another reason why this paper has remained in relatively good condition is evident from the darker stains at either end. For quite some time, perhaps for several decades or longer, most of the sheet laid beneath a protective covering while the exposed areas gradually acquired a sooty film. The damage, though, is not severe. Just prior to its mounting for the exhibition, the museum’s senior preparator removed half the stain in both areas by gently brushing grated particles of plastic eraser across the surface. The chances are good that the remaining residue, barely visible now, will be further reduced or eliminated in its entirety when the sheet is presented to the conservator.

Contributor

Palmer Museum of Art, The Pennsylvania State University, Gift of Walton J. Lord Estate

Identifier

86.725

Rights

This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses are not permitted.

Format

Lithograph; 11-1/16 x 8-1/2 in. (28.1 x 21.6 cm)