"The Attic" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

"The Attic" is a lithograph by French artist J.J. Grandville, from 1836. The drawing depicts two men in a dramatic encounter, one standing tall and composed while the other throws his hands up in the air, as if in horror. The lithograph is a caricature, a style often used by Grandville for satirical purposes, and its expressive lines and exaggerated features lend to its comedic effect. This work was part of "The Complete Works of Béranger", a collection of illustrations for the French poet Pierre Jean de Béranger's writings, known for their focus on social and political critique. The scene, likely inspired by a verse from Béranger's work, captures the absurdity of the situation and offers viewers a glimpse into the satiric use of art in the 19th century.