France, (1841-1909)
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Le porc des Tuileries: “Adieu, mon étoile!”
- [The pig of the Tuileries: ‘Farewell, my star!’]
- (1870), hand-colored lithograph on paper
from: La Charge, 7 May 1870. -
Editor’s Note:
This is a satirical print depicts Napoleon III (1808-1873) represented as a pig. He looks out at the Arc de Triomphe from the Tuileries Palace, possibly as he considers how to counter the mounting power of Prussia, a decision that resulted in the Franco-Prussian War and his capture by the Prussians at the Battle of Sedan.
About the Artist:
Alfred Le Petit (1841-1909), was a French painter, cartoonist and photographer. He also used the pseudonyms Corporal and Alfred the Great and spent a good deal of his life lampooning and criticizing political figures of the time.
After studied drawing, painting and photography, he began cartooning in Rouen, then in Paris contributing to La Lune and L’Éclipse. In 1870, he founded La Charge, a periodical that attacked Napoleon III with ferocity. Later he also founded the publications Le Pétard and Le Sans-Culotte, these also focused on political commentary of the ruling powers.
Political commentary can be costly. Le Pitit ended his life quite miserable by making caricatures for tourists on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower and singing in cabarets, accompanying himself on the violin. [DES-02/16]
Additional information:
- Le Cochon, souvenirs de Normandie, images with text
- Le Cochon, souvenirs de Normandie, images only