"The Fleeing Muse" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

"The Fleeing Muse" is a lithograph by J.J. Grandville, a prominent French artist known for his satirical and fantastical illustrations. Created in 1836, the print depicts a fleeing muse, possibly representing artistic inspiration, being pursued by a man in a top hat. Grandville's signature style, blending realism and caricature, is evident in the exaggerated figures and detailed setting. The scene suggests a playful commentary on the relationship between art and society, with the muse escaping the constraints of convention. The lithograph is part of a collection of illustrations for the complete works of Pierre-Jean de Béranger, a celebrated French poet.