Imperial Menagerie: Persigny - The Monkey (Servile Imitation), 1870

Religion · 19th century

Imperial Menagerie: Persigny - The Monkey (Servile Imitation), 1870

€ 140

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1870
Sheet size: 30.5 × 24.1 cm (12.0 × 9.5 in)
Reference: BG-13805-13

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

About this sheet

The print titled "La Ménagerie Impériale" is a satirical caricature featuring Jean Gilbert Victor Fialin, also known as Persigny. It is part of a series composed of 31 hand-colored lithograph plates by the artist Hadol, published in Paris by Au Bureau des Annonces around 1870. The album, "LA MENAGERIE IMPÉRIALE," depicts various figures as animals, metaphorically representing those who have "devoured" France over the past 20 years, including during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).

In this specific print, Persigny is depicted with his head attached to the body of a monkey. The monkey is shown sitting on a drum, symbolizing mimicry and servile imitation. The text at the top reads "PERSIGNY" and "N° 13," indicating this is the thirteenth in the series. Below the image, the caption "LE SINGE" (The Monkey) is followed by "Imitation Servile" (Servile Imitation), emphasizing Persigny's perceived lack of originality and subservience.

Jean-Gilbert Victor Fialin, Duc de Persigny (11 January 1808 – 12 January 1872) was a statesman of the Second French Empire.

The album as a whole, titled "LA MENAGERIE IMPÉRIALE," is a caricatural representation of the royal family and significant politicians of the time, using animal imagery to critique their roles and actions. The plates were originally issued loose in contemporary boards with a mounted hand-colored lithographed title. The format is small quarto (Sm. 4to), and the edges are slightly worn and browned, typical for works of this age.

This print, along with the rest of the album, serves as a historical and political commentary, utilizing humor and satire to criticize the leadership during a turbulent period in France’s history.