"Instead of all this..." from Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals 1832 - 1852

J. J. Grandville created this lithograph, "Instead of all this…", as part of his series "Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals". The series was published in 1842, during a time of significant social and political change in France, including rapid industrialization and urbanization. Grandville critiques human society by depicting animals engaged in human activities. Here, dogs dressed as hunters are poised to shoot, while others are in subservient roles. The humor lies in the role reversal, which exposes the absurdity and cruelty in human behavior, class structure, and social norms. The artist underscores themes of power, exploitation, and social inequality. "Instead of all this…" reflects the shifting societal landscape of 19th-century France, inviting us to reflect on the era’s values and norms. It encourages viewers to consider the ethics of their own actions and the structures they support.