"...Pointing me to the evidence of my crime with his cane." from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

Curator: Ah, here we have an etching by J. J. Grandville from 1843, titled "\"...Pointing me to the evidence of my crime with his cane.\" from the Little Miseries of Human Life," currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My initial feeling is one of slightly stilted awkwardness. The stiff postures of the figures give a formal air to what I imagine is supposed to be a moment of high drama. What is your take on it? Curator: Indeed. The stiffness could be a reflection of the social codes being depicted. Look at how the figures react, though; a woman with hands over her ears, another seemingly pleading, and the accuser with his didactic pose. I sense a deep commentary on public shaming and familial discord. The cane raised like an accusatory finger also becomes quite a phallic symbol. Editor: A lithograph then. Thinking about the printing process itself, lithography allowed for a relative ease of reproduction compared to older engraving methods. This suggests a desire for wider dissemination, making the work more accessible for the emerging middle class, or targeted specifically for magazines, or journals in serial. Were they then meant for more popular consumption and critique? Curator: Certainly! It would allow more people to identify with and, perhaps, critique these “little miseries” Grandville portrays. Notice the use of repeated motifs as well. Consider the patterned wallpaper versus the textile of the woman's shawl—a contrast in societal decorum. It subtly reinforces the layers of constraint placed upon these figures. Editor: Interesting. I was thinking about the material impact the relatively new technique could have had in creating imagery for a larger audience during this period of social upheaval and increasing class consciousness. Also the relatively immediate production value it provided... a stark commentary by Grandville with access afforded by advances in material output, and ultimately, consumption. Curator: Very true. This etching does reveal Grandville’s skill at capturing those precise gestures and symbolic relationships, so many stories within a simple image. Thank you for pointing out that connection with popular dissemination! Editor: My pleasure! Material culture often reveals hidden social dimensions when explored.