Genealogy, Le Rire

This delightful satirical illustration from Le Rire magazine presents the fictional genealogy of the Puy-Percé family, a wicked send-up of bourgeois pretensions to noble lineage. Through nine carefully composed vignettes, artist L. Burret traces the family's dubious heritage from a cowardly medieval soldier through judges, thieves, churchmen, and courtiers, culminating in a modern dandy described as 'the hope of the family for the next century.' The illustration exemplifies the golden age of French satirical magazines during the Belle Époque, when publications like Le Rire attracted the finest caricaturists of the era. Burret's witty character designs capture each historical type with economical precision: the pompous Louis XIV courtier with his elaborate wig, the ragged revolutionary who 'killed himself for the Republic' (described as the family's shame), and the Napoleonic officer who conveniently switched sides at Waterloo. A wonderful example of French visual humor that rewards close reading, with each caption revealing another layer of social commentary. The soft watercolor washes over crisp line work demonstrate the sophisticated printing techniques that made French illustrated magazines the envy of the publishing world. Size: 11.5" x 8.75" Artist: Léonce Burret Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Some illustrations may have writing or images on verso. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.