‘Les Metamorphoses du Jour, No.39’, 1829

Description

Mounted lithograph, entitled ‘Les Métamorphoses du Jour, No. 39’, designed by Jean-Ignac Isidore Gerard (pseudonym “Grandville”), and lithographed by Langlumé, and published by Thomas McLean in 1829.

Anthropomorphism, by which animals and inanimate objects are given human form and characteristics, is a device widely used in caricature. While some of the most direct caricatures are those which simply substitute animals for humans, adding humour to apparently conventional scenes, the artist Grandville’s caricatures conveyed more complex ideas through anthropomorphism.

In his ‘Les Métamorphoses du Jour’ caricatures, Grandville produced a series of cruel and powerful images that focus on the relationship of the innocent patient, the powerless victim of his medical advisor. These works develop the use of animal form to convey through characterisation particular aspects of human folly, weakness and corruption.

This caricature shows three standing leeches, dressed as doctors wearing overcoats, with top h