Karikaturaal portret van Henri Brod 1839

Théodore Maurisset created this caricature portrait of Henri Brod using lithography, a printmaking technique popular in 19th-century France. It's a striking image, playing with the conventions of portraiture to offer a satirical commentary on its subject. Made without color or shading, the caricature shows Brod in profile, playing what looks like an oboe or clarinet. Brod, a renowned instrument maker in Paris, is elevated on a pedestal adorned with a pitcher, perhaps alluding to his contributions to musical craftsmanship or a more personal joke. The image speaks to the rise of celebrity culture in 19th-century Paris, where even instrument makers could become recognizable figures. Caricatures like these often appeared in newspapers and journals, shaping public perception through humor and exaggeration. To truly understand this image, we can look to the popular press and the history of musical instrument manufacturing during the time. It highlights how art reflects and shapes social values.