Illustration in Jérôme Paturot, by Louis Reybaud, Paris, 1846 1841 - 1851

This is a preparatory drawing by the French artist J. J. Grandville, known for his satirical and fantastical illustrations, for his work "Jérôme Paturot." The drawing, created sometime between 1841 and 1851, showcases Grandville's masterful use of line and detail in capturing the expressive power of a single figure. The drawing's subject, an individual with a wide-eyed, panicked expression, likely represented a character from the novel "Jérôme Paturot," a social commentary on the political and economic turmoil in 19th-century France. The drawing's small scale and intimate focus on the figure's face create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, engaging the viewer with the character's inner turmoil. The artwork, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Grandville's talent for caricature and his ability to use simple means to convey complex emotions and social critiques.