Menus propos Possibly 1857

Félicien Rops created this print titled "Menus Propos" using etching and drypoint. It presents a seemingly mundane exchange, but it's ripe with social commentary typical of Rops' work in 19th-century Belgium. The scene depicts a man with a comically large mustache, ostensibly a member of the bourgeoisie, being confronted by a cloakroom attendant. The exchange hints at a deeper narrative of class division and social hierarchies within the political sphere, as suggested by the reference to the Chamber of Representatives. The inscription mentions an exchange, where money is refused with the line 'I won't come to the chamber of representatives'. The phrase "Menus Propos" itself suggests trivial matters, yet it highlights how even small interactions can reveal broader social inequalities. To truly understand Rops' critique, one needs to delve into the political climate of his time and the role of institutions. Researching the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and the social dynamics of the era would further enrich our understanding of this image.