Dimensions: 11 7/8 × 9 5/8 in. (30.16 × 24.45 cm)
Copyright: No Copyright - United States
This is the cover of "Le Rire" magazine, dated April 22, 1899, created by an anonymous artist. "Le Rire," meaning "laughter," was a French satirical publication. This cover juxtaposes the portrayal of gender and class dynamics in late 19th-century Parisian society. We see a man, drawn in profile, smoking, seemingly unbothered. In the background, a woman in a state of undress seems to be primping herself at her vanity. The woman is presented as a figure of spectacle, reinforcing the objectification of women in visual culture. The poem at the bottom makes it clear that the woman is only there to serve the man's perspective. What is striking here is the commentary on the male gaze and the societal norms that positioned women as secondary to men's desires and perceptions. It is a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in representation and the ways in which laughter can both mask and reveal deeper social truths.
Comments
Le Rire was a weekly satirical magazine published in Paris from 1894 to the 1950s. Many artists contributed cartoons. These same artists often worked in other modes, such as poster design, fine art prints, or fashion illustration as seen in their other works in Mia’s collection. Many of the illustrations display the graceful lines and flat (Japonesque) coloration of Art Nouveau, but other, often much edgier, styles appear, too. The works touch on many themes: politics, social mores, class, sex, war, entertainment, work, national identity, and much more. One might think of Le Rire as an equivalent to today’s late-night TV talk shows.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
