"The Parish Singers" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created "The Parish Singers," as part of "The Complete Works of Béranger," using engraving on paper. Grandville was a satirical cartoonist, who lived through a time of massive social upheaval after the French Revolution. In this image he captures a tension between the sacred and the profane; a group of men, presumably church singers, are gathered around a table, drinking. The satire highlights an irony: the men of the church are indulging in earthly pleasures, drinking, singing, and revelry. It prompts us to consider what might be critiqued in this image. Is it a critique of the church’s hypocrisy, or does it suggest a more human, relatable side? It also raises questions about class and access to enjoyment. Is Grandville commenting on who is allowed to celebrate, and in what ways? The image offers a view into the complexities of faith, pleasure, and social commentary in 19th-century France.