Liszt, Franz. (1811–1886) [Lorentz, Alcide Joseph. (1813–1891). Lithograph Caricature, 1842. Remarkable original steel engraving, 12 X 9 inches, published in the Paris Miroir Drolatique of July 2 ,1842 when the composer was just 31 years old. The caricature by Lorentz, showns the composer outfitted on horseback as a Hungarian soldier, with an ostentatious sabre. Beneath, the verse:
"Entre tous les guerriers, Litz [sic] est seul sans reproches, / Car malgré son grand sabre, on sait que ce héros / N'a vaincu que des double-croches / Et tué que des pianos." [Liszt alone among all warriors is without reproach, For despite his big sword, we know that this hero has vanquished only semiquavers, and slain only pianos]
The artist mocks the Sword of Honor that was presented to Liszt by the Hungarians in 1840 (inscribed to the composer and set with precious stones, it currently resides in the National Museum in Budapest). The sword was a matter of great personal pride to Liszt, who, upon receiving it on stage after a performance, apparently wept openly. Nevertheless, the gift was immediately and widely ridiculed and "the press of Europe broke into a pearl of laughter whose echoes were to mock Liszt to the grave." (Alan Walker, "Franz Liszt: Volume One" p. 327)
This is the original version of the caricature; a second version was printed later in Germany where the present background was altered. Very rare, and in fine condition. Edges somewhat uneven, and with some erased pencil notations at bottom corner.
"Entre tous les guerriers, Litz [sic] est seul sans reproches, / Car malgré son grand sabre, on sait que ce héros / N'a vaincu que des double-croches / Et tué que des pianos." [Liszt alone among all warriors is without reproach, For despite his big sword, we know that this hero has vanquished only semiquavers, and slain only pianos]
The artist mocks the Sword of Honor that was presented to Liszt by the Hungarians in 1840 (inscribed to the composer and set with precious stones, it currently resides in the National Museum in Budapest). The sword was a matter of great personal pride to Liszt, who, upon receiving it on stage after a performance, apparently wept openly. Nevertheless, the gift was immediately and widely ridiculed and "the press of Europe broke into a pearl of laughter whose echoes were to mock Liszt to the grave." (Alan Walker, "Franz Liszt: Volume One" p. 327)
This is the original version of the caricature; a second version was printed later in Germany where the present background was altered. Very rare, and in fine condition. Edges somewhat uneven, and with some erased pencil notations at bottom corner.
Liszt, Franz. (1811–1886) [Lorentz, Alcide Joseph. (1813–1891). Lithograph Caricature, 1842. Remarkable original steel engraving, 12 X 9 inches, published in the Paris Miroir Drolatique of July 2 ,1842 when the composer was just 31 years old. The caricature by Lorentz, showns the composer outfitted on horseback as a Hungarian soldier, with an ostentatious sabre. Beneath, the verse:
"Entre tous les guerriers, Litz [sic] est seul sans reproches, / Car malgré son grand sabre, on sait que ce héros / N'a vaincu que des double-croches / Et tué que des pianos." [Liszt alone among all warriors is without reproach, For despite his big sword, we know that this hero has vanquished only semiquavers, and slain only pianos]
The artist mocks the Sword of Honor that was presented to Liszt by the Hungarians in 1840 (inscribed to the composer and set with precious stones, it currently resides in the National Museum in Budapest). The sword was a matter of great personal pride to Liszt, who, upon receiving it on stage after a performance, apparently wept openly. Nevertheless, the gift was immediately and widely ridiculed and "the press of Europe broke into a pearl of laughter whose echoes were to mock Liszt to the grave." (Alan Walker, "Franz Liszt: Volume One" p. 327)
This is the original version of the caricature; a second version was printed later in Germany where the present background was altered. Very rare, and in fine condition. Edges somewhat uneven, and with some erased pencil notations at bottom corner.
"Entre tous les guerriers, Litz [sic] est seul sans reproches, / Car malgré son grand sabre, on sait que ce héros / N'a vaincu que des double-croches / Et tué que des pianos." [Liszt alone among all warriors is without reproach, For despite his big sword, we know that this hero has vanquished only semiquavers, and slain only pianos]
The artist mocks the Sword of Honor that was presented to Liszt by the Hungarians in 1840 (inscribed to the composer and set with precious stones, it currently resides in the National Museum in Budapest). The sword was a matter of great personal pride to Liszt, who, upon receiving it on stage after a performance, apparently wept openly. Nevertheless, the gift was immediately and widely ridiculed and "the press of Europe broke into a pearl of laughter whose echoes were to mock Liszt to the grave." (Alan Walker, "Franz Liszt: Volume One" p. 327)
This is the original version of the caricature; a second version was printed later in Germany where the present background was altered. Very rare, and in fine condition. Edges somewhat uneven, and with some erased pencil notations at bottom corner.