"The Missionaries" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

Curator: This is "The Missionaries," a lithograph from 1836 by J.J. Grandville, originally featured in "The Complete Works of Béranger." You can find it here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Right off, I'm struck by the theatrical staging, that crisp contrast. There's something subtly mocking about it; almost as though the figures are part of a parade of the absurd. Curator: That sense of irony is classic Grandville. His illustrations, especially these prints, are layered with social commentary. He often uses figuration to critique political figures, or societal norms. The Romantic style gives the procession a veneer of dramatic importance, which of course, heightens the satire. Editor: Absolutely. I see a clear intentionality in the linear precision. It's not merely representational, but an active use of line to convey the heaviness, even the grimness, in their supposed virtuous quest. Curator: Indeed. Look at the figure on the donkey – elevated literally, yet slumped, burdened by that oversized cross. Grandville turns a sacred symbol into an almost comical prop. It begs us to question the true weight, the true burden, of their mission. There is also an ambiguous relation between them and the public behind. It creates more irony and more subtle satirical intent. Editor: And consider the tonal variations. The deeper blacks emphasize certain aspects—the clerical garb, the weight of the cross. There’s a sort of calculated exaggeration. Even in this simple lithograph, it serves a precise purpose. Also the fact that there's so many faces just in the background. Curator: These engravings definitely hold that romantic element but is a sort of distorted romantic feeling with satirical elements. Editor: A very insightful synthesis of critique, isn't it? Curator: Very much, its romantic elements contrast with its crude tone which shows that even from back then not everyone agrees with religious elements and crusades.