19th-century French political satire engraving, illustrated magazine, vintage poster

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique engraving, taken from an illustrated French magazine, depicts a satirical scene typical of the late 19th century. The image shows a man in a frock coat and top hat, pasting posters on an urban wall. Two other figures, also in suits and top hats, observe the scene in the background, appearing both amused and intrigued. The illustration is signed "A. Cressent" in the lower left corner, indicating the work of a recognized press cartoonist of his era.

The composition is in black and white, executed using the classic engraving or ink drawing technique, characteristic of satirical newspapers and news magazines of the late 19th century. At the top of the page is the word "ACTUALITÉS" with pagination 104, indicating its extraction from a periodical. A handwritten title, barely visible, seems to indicate a year ("1898"), which corresponds to the aesthetic and historical context of the drawing.

Around the main character, posters with various inscriptions are clearly visible, evoking an electoral or political campaign, with partially legible names and slogans ("G. Paletrac", "Murc..."). At the bottom of the image, the printed caption states: "DERNIÈRE HEURE — Ne trouvant plus de colleur, un candidat emballé se met à placarder ses affiches lui-même." This phrase highlights the humorous and critical tone of the drawing, typical of political satire of the time.

The paper shows a slight patina, typical of antique publications, without vivid coloring or subsequent additions. The edges visible in the photo appear neat, without major tears or obvious signs of excessive wear. The background, consisting of stained glass and church benches, highlights the page without obscuring any relevant details.

This illustration combines the visual codes of caricature, press drawing, and period political poster, offering a direct testimony to the social and political concerns of Belle Époque France.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The print and inscriptions are clearly legible. Patina and slight signs of age visible, with no apparent structural defects on the face shown.

Did you know? In the late 19th century, the French illustrated press played a central role in political satire. Cartoonists like A. Cressent actively participated in public life through caricatures published in magazines, influencing opinion and reporting on current events from a humorous and critical angle.

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Keywords: antique engraving, press drawing, political satire, 19th-century illustration, magazine poster, French caricature, illustrated page, antique press, illustrated magazine France, satirical newspaper, political cartoon France, vintage French print