The Suspended Congress 1824 - 1834

"The Suspended Congress," a lithograph by J. J. Grandville, is a satirical commentary on the political climate in Europe during the 1820s and 1830s. Created between 1824 and 1834, the work depicts a meeting of European monarchs and political leaders, including Ferdinand VII of Spain, Dom Miguel of Portugal, and Nicholas I of Russia, who are seen as being unable to reach an agreement. Grandville's caricature is known for its sharp wit and use of exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of the political situation. This artwork, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the social and political anxieties of the time, drawing attention to the tensions and power struggles between European nations.