Journey for Eternity, No. 7 1834 - 1844

J.J. Grandville created this lithograph titled "Journey for Eternity, No. 7" sometime in the mid-19th century. Grandville made these works at a time when France was dealing with political instability and social change. He used his art to express the anxieties and absurdities of his time. Here we see a satirical representation of society, where death is an uninvited guest among the bourgeoisie. The artist portrays how social class attempts to mask vulnerability to mortality. The elegant attire and poised demeanor of the figures contrast sharply with the stark reality of death lurking nearby. The visual juxtaposition serves as a commentary on the superficiality of social conventions. Grandville's lithograph urges us to confront our own mortality and question the values we uphold. It invites us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of our existence. The artist uses his pointed humor to invite us to contemplate the journey we are all on, towards the inevitable encounter with eternity.