Reproductie van een prent van een uil en ratten, met het gedicht Décembre van François Coppée, door Hector Giacomelli before 1876

Paul Dalloz made this print of an owl and rats, featuring François Coppée's poem "Décembre," with Hector Giacomelli. The combination of a poem with an image allows us to consider both literary and visual culture in late 19th-century France. The visual elements of the owl and rats, symbols of wisdom and pestilence respectively, create meaning alongside Coppée's words. The poem itself, framed by the image, suggests a social commentary, reflecting the era’s concerns with class divisions and moral decay. Prints like these circulated widely and cheaply, influencing public opinion and shaping cultural values. Dalloz's print underscores the public role of art and the politics of imagery. Understanding the social conditions that shape artistic production requires us to consult literary archives, visual culture studies, and historical records. This interdisciplinary approach helps reveal the cultural and institutional context in which this print was created and consumed.