Henri Daniel Plattel, MACÉDOINE No. 34, Mid 19th Century, Lithograph

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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 punchline relies heavily on the ironic caption text printed at the very bottom: "C'est singulier, je n'ai pourtant confié cela qu'à mon épouse!" (Translation: "How strange, yet I only confided that to my wife!") The caricature plays on a timeless domestic trope regarding the inability to keep a secret. The main character, Mr. Chiflard, is completely unaware that he is walking the public streets with a humiliating sign announcing his secret vanity (his fake hairpiece) to the entire world. The humor peaks with his internal monologue: he is utterly baffled as to how the public found out about his toupee, noting that his wife was the only person he ever trusted with the secret—implying she is the true culprit who either pinned the sign on him or leaked the gossip to the household. 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



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