The print titled "La Ménagerie Impériale" is a satirical caricature featuring Napoléon III. 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, Napoléon III is depicted with a large nose, mustache, and receding hairline, merged with the body of a vulture. The vulture’s talons clutch a bleeding, lifeless body labeled "France," symbolizing the suffering of the nation under his rule. The text at the top reads "NAPOLÉON III." and "N° 1", suggesting this is the first in the series. Below the image, the caption "LE VAUTOUR" (The Vulture) is followed by "Lâcheté - Férocité" (Cowardice - Ferocity), emphasizing Napoléon III's perceived cowardice and brutality.
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).
This print serves as a historical and political commentary, utilizing humor and satire to criticize the leadership during a turbulent period in France’s history.
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