The Publisher Aubert (You must admit the government has a comic appearance) 1831

Charles-Joseph Traviès created this lithograph, titled "The Publisher Aubert (You must admit the government has a comic appearance)," to satirize political figures. Traviès made this print during a time of political unrest and censorship in France. "The Publisher Aubert" is a commentary on the government's attempts to control the press through caricature. The work depicts a crowd gathered outside the shop of Aubert, a publisher known for producing satirical prints. The figures are diverse, suggesting a broad segment of society engaged in political discourse. The print offers insight into the social and political dynamics of 19th-century France, highlighting the role of satire as a form of resistance. Traviès uses humor to critique those in power, capturing the spirit of dissent and the importance of free expression. The emotional impact of the print lies in its ability to evoke a sense of solidarity with those who dared to challenge authority through laughter and art.