"It is No Longer Lisette" from The Songs of Béranger 1829

"It is No Longer Lisette" is a print made by Tony Johannot, a French artist, illustrating a song by Béranger. The image presents us with an intriguing tension between personal narrative and political symbolism. Made during a period of significant social change in France, this artwork uses visual codes to comment on shifting power dynamics. The fleeing couple at the center evokes personal stories, but the broken chains, discarded crown, and the eagle above it hint at the larger historical context of revolution and the fall of monarchy. The title of the artwork itself challenges notions of liberty and personal identity. Understanding this image requires us to look into the history of France, the context of political imagery, and the role of art in reflecting or challenging the social norms of its time. Research into the songs of Béranger, the political climate of 19th-century France, and the artistic conventions of the time can provide deeper insight into the role of art as a mirror and a critique of society.