Hé c'est l'ami Carême!, Musée Grotesque No. 53 1800 - 1850

Editor: This is "Hé c'est l'ami Carême!," a print by Aaron Martinet, dating from the early 1800s, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It seems to depict two figures in a comical tug-of-war. The etching medium adds to its satirical feel. What do you see when you look at this? Curator: I see a pointed commentary on social rituals and consumption. Note the robust figure, likely representing Carnival or pre-Lenten feasting, physically restraining the lean figure of Lent ("Carême" in French). Consider the materials used—etching, a readily reproducible medium, suggesting this critique was intended for a broad audience. Editor: That's a clever observation! The contrasting physiques are hard to miss, and I appreciate your point on etching's role in wider dissemination of these ideas. Curator: Precisely. How might the figures' attire and surroundings contribute to understanding the message intended by the artist about French society at that time? Look closely at what the figures are wearing and holding; it signifies wealth, privilege, fasting and religion. All things related to the cultural observation about "Carême." Editor: Ah, good point. Carnival seems almost opulent in his garb, versus Lent's austere appearance and paltry fish. It’s a real class statement about food production and consumption, during periods of both religious restriction, as well as celebrations before those very restrictions. Curator: Yes. Martinet uses the print medium not just to represent a scene, but to engage in a material and social dialogue about wealth, religious practices and scarcity. It prompts us to think: who had access to what materials, and who controlled the means of production of food, but even artwork as well? Editor: I hadn't considered it in that light, but focusing on the material conditions and their implications makes the caricature so much more insightful! Thanks. Curator: Indeed. By viewing art as a product of its material conditions, we gain richer insights into its social and cultural functions.