Who painted The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper!?

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! was painted by Benjamin (Benjamin Roubaud) in 1839.

Where can I see The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper!?

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper!?

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper!?

Museum-quality prints of The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper!

Benjamin (Benjamin Roubaud) , 1839

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! is a print by the Romanticist artist Benjamin (Benjamin Roubaud). It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1943.490
Credit line: Gift of Milton S. Fox

About this work

This sketch shows a man in a wide-brimmed hat, gesturing wildly with one arm raised while holding a rolled-up paper in the other.

This sketch shows a man in a wide-brimmed hat, gesturing wildly with one arm raised while holding a rolled-up paper in the other. His face is scrunched up, like he’s shouting or laughing. Behind him, another person’s arm peeks in, but their face is hidden.

The text below reads like a newspaper headline, mocking a wild story about a plot at the opera. The artist signed it “Benjamin” in the corner.

Look up Benjamin (Benjamin Roubaud) (French, 1811–1847) to see more of his sharp, dramatic sketches.

Overview

The Rag: Here is the daily newspaper! is an 1839 print by French artist Benjamin Roubaud, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a dynamic scene of a man enthusiastically engaging with a newspaper, set against a backdrop of satirical text.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a man in a wide-brimmed hat, gesturing energetically while holding a rolled newspaper. His contorted face suggests intense emotion, either laughter or shouting. A partially visible figure behind him adds to the sense of communal engagement, possibly highlighting the public impact of news.

The accompanying satirical headline mocks a purported opera plot, reflecting the artist's use of humor to comment on contemporary societal interests.

Technique & Style

Characterized by expressive lines and exaggerated facial expressions, the sketch embodies Roubaud's sharp and dramatic style, as seen in his other works. The contrast between the detailed, dynamic figure and the partially hidden secondary character showcases the artist's ability to direct focus within a scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1839, the print is signed 'Benjamin' by the artist. It is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its acquisition history are not provided here.

Context

Emerging in 19th-century France, this work reflects the era's growing interest in caricature and satire, often used to critique social and cultural institutions like the opera. The piece taps into the burgeoning media landscape of daily newspapers, highlighting their role in shaping public discourse and entertainment.

Legacy

As part of Roubaud's body of work, 'The Rag' contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing vivid, humorous scenes of everyday life and societal commentary. However, its broader impact on the development of satirical art or specific influence on later artists is not detailed in the provided information.