A fine impression sur blanc, before the final state which was published in the journal Le Caricature, which had newsprint verso. The sur blanc impressions were published in quite limited editions for collectors (typically 100 or so impressions), in this case prior to the wider publication of the lithograph. Collectors generally preferred the sur blancs because the paper was better grade, there was no newsprint to show through and, in this instance since the sur blanc was made before publication, the lithographic stone was in near-pristine condition and thus the printing quality was quite fine.

Original Text: Le danger des passions ou Souvent l’on se trouve entrainé plus loin qu’on ne voudrait. Translation: The danger of indulging in a hobby, or, often one finds oneself carried away a bit further than one wants.