"I tried to escape from this philological discussion." from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

J.J. Grandville made this print, “I tried to escape from this philological discussion,” in France, during the 1800s. This lithograph comes from a series entitled "Little Miseries of Human Life," in which Grandville makes light of everyday life in France. Here, we see an attempt to evade an unwanted conversation on the streets of Paris. The image is humorous, but also subtly critiques the bourgeoisie who were eager to flaunt their knowledge and learning. The buildings in the background indicate the urban landscape and the rapid social changes happening at that time, with the rise of public spaces and intellectual discourse. The man's desperate attempt to escape highlights a social discomfort. To understand Grandville's art, consider the era's satirical press and its role in shaping public opinion. Research into the social norms and intellectual climate of 19th-century Paris might illuminate the scene. Ultimately, art like this reflects and shapes our understanding of social dynamics.