Exit, or Lord the Gob (Sortie, ou Milord-la Gob) 1820 - 1822

This is Nicolas Toussaint Charlet’s etching, "Exit, or Lord the Gob," made sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It depicts a stout man being ejected from a doorway. The title suggests he’s an Englishman, caricatured in the French style. Charlet was known for his lithographs and engravings, often depicting scenes of military life and popular culture. This etching reflects the post-Napoleonic era in France, a time of shifting social dynamics and national identity. The figure's disheveled appearance and the act of being thrown out may represent a critique of foreign influence or a commentary on social tensions. The use of caricature was a popular tool for political and social commentary, and Charlet's work would have resonated with a public keenly aware of class distinctions and national pride. Art historians explore such works by examining period newspapers, political tracts, and popular imagery to understand how artists like Charlet engaged with and shaped public opinion. This etching serves as a window into the complex social fabric of 19th-century France.