Henri Daniel Plattel, No. 38, 19th Century, Lithograph

Details

Description

Lithograph on paper, france, mid-19th century. Signed in the plate. A finely executed satirical lithograph from the celebrated french series … Read more Lithograph on paper, france, mid-19th century. Signed in the plate. A finely executed satirical lithograph from the celebrated french series macédoine, published in paris by aubert & cie and printed/distributed by chez bauger. It is a classic example of french july monarchy-era social satire. The comedic narrative is driven by the printed title and dialogue caption at the bottom: le mari en puissance de femme. "placez cette chauffrette sous mes pieds, couchez les enfants, allez au cabinet de lecture me prendre un livre nouveau, n'entrez pas au café et revenez me dévider du fil." (translation: the husband under the power of the wife. / "place this foot warmer under my feet, put the children to bed, go to the reading room to get me a new book, do not go to the café, and come back to unwind some thread for me.") the caricature plays on a sharp legal and social role reversal. During this era, french law recognized "le mari en puissance de mari" (the husband's absolute legal authority over his wife). Plattel flips this dynamic completely on its head. The wife rattles off a long, exhausting list of commands, ordering her husband around like a servant while strictly forbidding him from visiting the local café (a traditional male refuge). By showing the husband completely submissive and buried under domestic and maternal tasks, the print lampoons the hidden domestic matrilineal power structures that defied the legal codes of the time. Very good condition. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less