Monsieur Babinet prévenu par sa portière de la visite de la comête.
Title (alt.):
Monsieur Babinet alerted by his housekeeper of the arrival of the comet.. Charivari
Description:
Mr. Babinet's housekeeper informs him that the comet is going by. This print shows the superiority of common sense over science. We can see the housekeeper who sees the comet without the help of a telescope. The astronomer, relying strictly on his mathematical calculations, expects the appearance of the comet from the other side and probably misses the most important moment of his career. THE COMETS. The return of the comet Charles-Quint was predicted for June 13, 1857. It was expected to hit the earth and the end of the world was foreseen. BABINET, Jacques (1794 – 1872) was a physicist, mathematician, and astronomer, member of the “Académie des sciences” from 1840. He was also an associate at the “Journal des Débats” and at the „Revue des Deux Mondes“ and became well known for his scientific contributions in the optical field. He was teaching mathematics and physics in various institutions and studied a number of interesting phenomena like the physics of the rainbow, the mass of Mercury, optical properties of minerals, causes for the meandering of rivers, to name just a few. Babinet was not only a brilliant scientist and inventor; he proved to be an extremely gifted orator who could fascinate his audience with his wit and intelligence. He became especially popular with a broad readership through his articles for the general public. Most likely for this reason, he became a subject for Daumier’s caricatures.
Copyright restrictions may apply. For permission to copy or use this image, contact the Robert D. Farber University Archives and Special Collections Department, Brandeis University Libraries. The following credit line must be included with each item used: Benjamin A. and Julia M. Trustman Collection of Honoré Daumier Lithographs, Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University.
Contact host institution for more information.
Place of origin:
Paris
Notes:
2nd state.
Published in: Le Charivari, September 22, 1858.
Notes (acquisition):
Donated by: Benjamin A. and Julia M. Trustman, 1959.
