Imperial Menagerie: De Failly - The Bichon (Frivolity - Dance), 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-13805-20
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 De Failly. 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, De Failly is depicted with his head attached to the body of a bichon, a small lapdog. The bichon is shown performing tricks, symbolizing frivolity and trivial pursuits. The text at the top reads "DE FAILLY" and "N° 20," indicating this is the twentieth in the series. Beside the bichon, a hand offers a bag labeled "BONBONS À LA MENTANA" and a hat labeled "ACCESSOIRES DU COTILLON," further emphasizing his perceived indulgence in superficial and frivolous activities. Below the image, the caption "LE BICHON" (The Bichon) is followed by "Frivolité - Cotillon" (Frivolity - Dance), underscoring De Failly's perceived lack of seriousness and focus on trivial matters.
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.
