Second Dream 1820 - 1847

J. J. Grandville made "Second Dream" as a black and white print intended for publication in the magazine Magasin Pittoresque. Born in France during a time of massive political upheaval, Grandville’s satirical illustrations frequently critiqued the social norms and political figures of his day. Here, in a dreamlike sequence, a procession of fantastical objects float through a clouded sky. Mushrooms morph into umbrellas, which then give way to flying creatures and cannons, culminating with a horse drawn carriage seemingly made of stars. The movement feels like a parade, or perhaps, a march toward war. Grandville uses the visual language of dreams to explore themes of power, industrialization, and the human condition. The print merges whimsy and anxiety, reflecting a society grappling with rapid change. Ultimately, “Second Dream” asks us to consider the beauty and the terror that coexist in our collective imagination.