"Having said that, this poor invalid gives us a curtsy, and goes hobbling off" from Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals 1832 - 1852

This lithograph from the mid-19th century by J. J. Grandville depicts an anthropomorphic bird, leaning on a walking stick, a poignant symbol of aging and frailty, before a recognizable Parisian backdrop. Note the figure's posture, a slight bow, combined with his avian form and the crutch, these elements create a powerful image of decline. The hat, reminiscent of those worn during Napoleon's era, hints at a glorious past now withered. Consider the symbolism of birds throughout history, often seen as messengers or symbols of freedom, here they are reduced to a state of infirmity. Recall ancient Greek comedies where physical deformities were often ridiculed, this image evokes a similar sense of tragicomedy. The artist, through this visual language, taps into our collective subconscious, reminding us of the inevitable decay that awaits all living beings. This image, therefore, becomes a potent reminder of mortality, engaging us on a deeply emotional level.