"It has been very wrong to take from our poets the classic muzzle" from Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals 1832 - 1852

This lithograph, "It has been very wrong to take from our poets the classic muzzle," was made by J.J. Grandville in 19th century France. It's part of a series called "Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals." In this image, Grandville uses animal-human hybrids to critique contemporary society. By dressing animals in human clothes and placing them in recognizable social situations, he satirizes the values, behaviors, and institutions of his time. The "classic muzzle" mentioned in the title likely refers to the restraints placed on artistic expression by cultural institutions and societal expectations. Perhaps Grandville suggests that the "muzzle" of classicism has been wrongly removed from poets, implying a critique of artistic freedom. To fully understand this artwork, we would need to examine the social and political climate of 19th-century France, including the role of the monarchy, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and the changing status of artists in society. Researching Grandville's other works and the writings of his contemporaries would also shed light on his critique of artistic institutions. Only through careful historical investigation can we fully appreciate the social commentary embedded within this seemingly whimsical image.