Well, Hello (Eh bonjour– donc–.) 1821

Charles Motte created this lithograph titled "Well, Hello" in France in the early 19th century. Its exaggerated figures and comical tone speak volumes about the social tensions of the time. Fashion played a crucial role in defining social status, and Motte cleverly uses caricature to comment on this phenomenon. The extremely tall, slender figure embodies the ideal of aristocratic elegance, while the short, stout figure represents the emerging bourgeoisie, perhaps satirizing their attempts to emulate the upper class. The title itself, a mix of French and English, suggests a cultural and class divide, reflecting the complex social landscape of post-revolutionary France. To fully appreciate this work, one might delve into fashion plates of the period, political cartoons, and social commentaries. Art is always embedded in a specific time and place, and understanding that context is essential to unlocking its meaning.