"The Puppets" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created this lithograph, "The Puppets," as an illustration for an edition of the Complete Works of French songwriter Béranger. It speaks to the theme of social control. Made in France, it reflects the social and political turbulence of the 19th century. This was a period marked by revolutions, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and evolving class structures. Grandville's caricature subtly critiques the institutions that perpetuated social inequality, hinting at the ways individuals are manipulated by larger societal forces. The rigid Cupid and the awkward dancing figures become metaphors for the constraints placed on people by social expectations. To fully appreciate Grandville's commentary, one might research the history of French printmaking, popular culture, and the intersection of art and politics in 19th-century France. By situating art within its historical context, we come to understand how social and institutional forces shape its very meaning.