"The Wandering Jew" from The Songs of Béranger 1829

Tony Johannot created "The Wandering Jew" for The Songs of Béranger using engraving. Observe how the composition is structured around a central vignette framed by ornate botanical elements. This arrangement immediately directs our gaze inward, creating a sense of intimacy. The figures and symbols—the eagle, the lyre, and the broken crown—aren't randomly placed. These visual codes construct a narrative about power, art, and societal breakdown. Johannot uses the semiotic interplay to question established values. The use of engraving enhances the symbolic depth of the image. The contrast between light and shadow adds emotional intensity, inviting us to decode the underlying cultural and philosophical discourse. The image challenges our understanding of history and myth.