"This is what the men call a church rat" from Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals 1832 - 1852

This lithograph, "This is what the men call a church rat" is from J.J. Grandville’s series, Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals. Made in the early to mid-19th century, Grandville's work coincided with significant social and political upheaval in France. Through anthropomorphic satire, the series critiques the foibles of human society and the era's political figures. Here we see a downtrodden figure, slumped in what appears to be a church, his head wrapped in cloth. The title suggests a commentary on poverty and marginalization, using the term "church rat" as a derogatory label for the destitute who seek refuge in religious institutions. Grandville frequently used animal-human hybrids to explore themes of identity, challenging the boundaries between species to comment on human behavior. The pathos in this image, its ability to evoke empathy for the marginalized, invites a deeper reflection on the social structures that perpetuate inequality. Ultimately, this piece reflects a society grappling with its conscience, mirrored through the plight of its most vulnerable members.