Monsieur Le Virtu 1771

Curator: Here we have Matthew Darly’s print from 1771, "Monsieur Le Virtu", housed here at the Metropolitan Museum. It is a caricature rendered in engraving. Editor: Oh, he looks so grumpy! I love how Darly exaggerates the facial features—that nose, that little pursed mouth. It’s almost cruel, but also incredibly funny. It reminds me a bit of Daumier's later caricatures, that sharp sense of social satire. Curator: Indeed. Darly's work, as seen through this fine hatching and stippling, serves as a visual commentary on the pretensions of the aristocracy. Consider the posture, the ornate coat, and even the cane. These elements contribute to the overall meaning through a structural display of class signifiers. Editor: That cane is killing me! It’s so dainty. I can almost hear him complaining about the lack of fine sherry or the appalling weather. He looks like he thinks the whole world owes him an apology. There’s a great energy between his face, outfit and name. Curator: There is an inherent paradox. "Virtu," traditionally associated with moral excellence, is juxtaposed with this ridiculous figure, a biting commentary of perceived social posturing. The linear quality, too, emphasizes the absurdity; the almost mathematical rendering exposes the inherent flaw of such men. Editor: Yes, and even the way Darly uses line contributes to the caricature, I think—giving him this rather pompous air. But the detail in the clothing saves it for me! Look at the folds of his coat. He is just owning every square inch he stands on. Curator: The print offers a compelling study in character portrayal through subtle visual cues and clever design. A fine example from that era. Editor: For sure. I leave him behind thinking I wouldn't trust him with one of my own artworks let alone my cat.