"Le Champ d'Asile" from The Songs of Béranger 1829

"Le Champ d'Asile" is an engraving by Alfred Johannot, illustrating a poem from Béranger’s "Songs". It reflects a pivotal moment in post-Napoleonic France, one defined by shifting political tides and national identity. The print encapsulates the end of Napoleon’s reign, depicting a scene of exile and refuge. But, note the gathering of diverse figures offering asylum. Johannot subtly questions the concept of asylum itself, suggesting a complex interplay of power, race, and cultural identity. The fallen crown and other symbols of royalty at the bottom juxtapose with the image of the eagle soaring above the scene. This evokes the tension between the fallen empire and the hope for a renewed French spirit. The engraving invites us to consider who gets to write the narratives of history, and whose stories are often omitted or glossed over. It is a visual poem that prompts contemplation on the cyclical nature of power, and the perennial search for a place to call home.