written text in ULC and along left edge; printed text at right edge; image of stylized heavy-set figure at right with leaves on face and head, with a twisted PL arm carrying a sack and holding a whip or torch in PR hand; two kneeling men with hands folded in prayer at left; burning building at center with rotund balloon-like stylized bat or bird hovering over it; black on tan paper

Program for King Ubu (Ubu Roi), 1896

Alfred Jarry; Publisher: Théâtre de l'Oeuvre, Parisexpand_more

Lithograph on tan paper; folded sheetexpand_more

The Mary and Robyn Campbell Fund for Art Booksexpand_more  2010.44

Not on Viewexpand_more

The French author Alfred Jarry is best known for his play "Ubu Roi" (King Ubu). Jarry's five-act play premiered on December 10, 1896, at the Théâtre de L'Oeuvre in Paris. The play was a scatological farce that caricatured royalty and the abuse of power with the main character Ubu symbolizing injustice and greed. The jarring iconoclastic humor of the program for "Ubu Roi" prefigures surrealism and retains its edge to the present day. The image is a visual touchstone for the outrageous character of Jarry's theatrical production.

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Details
Title
Program for King Ubu (Ubu Roi)
Artist Life
1873-1907
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2010.44
Provenance
(Eric G. Carlson Fine Prints & Drawings, New York, N.Y.)
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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written text in ULC and along left edge; printed text at right edge; image of stylized heavy-set figure at right with leaves on face and head, with a twisted PL arm carrying a sack and holding a whip or torch in PR hand; two kneeling men with hands folded in prayer at left; burning building at center with rotund balloon-like stylized bat or bird hovering over it; black on tan paper

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