"Crown of Cornflowers" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

J. J. Grandville created this illustration, "Crown of Cornflowers," for "The Complete Works of Béranger." The artwork reflects the social and political context of 19th-century France, marked by revolution, restoration, and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Grandville critiques societal norms through satire and caricature. Gender roles, class distinctions, and power dynamics are interwoven in the artwork. The central male figure, stripped of his dignity, is being crowned with cornflowers by allegorical figures, while onlookers react with a mix of shock and amusement. We might ask what does this moment of public humiliation suggest about the artist’s perception of masculinity? Does it maintain traditional representations, or develop alternative narratives? Grandville captures an emotional or experiential aspect of the scene with precision. Through satire, Grandville reflects societal issues, while referencing the emotional and personal dimensions of the characters involved.