Caricature of Mario Uchard c. 1858

Here is a pencil drawing of Mario Uchard made by Claude Monet at an unknown date. In the 19th century, caricature was more than just humorous; it was a form of social commentary and a way to critique public figures. Monet’s rendering of Uchard plays into the visual language of class and identity. Uchard, the playwright, is depicted with exaggerated features - the monocle, the coiffed hair, and his clothing is meant to signal his status as a man of letters. The drawing appears to mock him, but also situates him within a very specific social milieu. Monet himself came from a working-class background, and during this period he made his living selling caricatures. This drawing is more than just a portrait; it's a snapshot of the cultural values and social hierarchies of 19th-century France. It invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in representation, and to reflect on how we, too, participate in the construction of identity through visual culture.