"The Double Hunt" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created "The Double Hunt" as part of an illustrated edition of The Complete Works of Béranger. Born in France during a period of political upheaval following the French Revolution, Grandville was deeply affected by the shifting social structures and the rise of the bourgeoisie. In this lithograph, Grandville satirizes the pretensions of the upper class through caricature. He depicts men dressed in hunting attire, with one wearing antlers and ringing a doorbell, while others follow on horseback. Here, Grandville seems to question traditional representations of masculinity and social status. The artist’s use of anthropomorphism and grotesque imagery is a commentary on social climbing and class distinctions. Grandville uses humor to expose the absurdities of a society obsessed with status and appearances. Through his art, Grandville invites us to reflect on the values and aspirations of a society in flux.