Caricature 1858 - 1909

Caran d'Ache, or Emmanuel Poiré, made this caricature in ink, likely in France. Though undated, the work is signed with the year 1864. We can assume the setting is Mexico, since the image refers to events of that year: the Second French Intervention. It had been launched in 1861, when France, along with Spain and the UK, sought to ensure repayment of debts from the Mexican government. The caricature shows a man pulling a cannon towards a woman. It might be read as a comment on French imperialism, with France forcing its way into Mexico and attacking its people. Visual codes such as the cannon and figures make a point about foreign policy. D'Ache was later known for his anti-Dreyfus stance, suggesting his art reflected conservative, nationalistic sentiments. Political art can be read in many ways, and to fully understand it, we rely on historical resources. After all, art always exists in a specific social and institutional context.