Les Visites, Musée Grotesque, No. 21

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored etching, titled *Les Visites* from the *Musée Grotesque* series (No. 21), dates to the early nineteenth century in France. Created by the publisher Aaron Martinet, working with anonymous artists, it belongs to a popular genre of satirical prints that poked fun at contemporary society. The medium of etching allowed for sharp lines and detailed caricature, while hand-coloring brought vivid, playful hues to the scenes—making these affordable works widely accessible to a growing middle-class audience. The title suggests a humorous look at social visits, likely depicting men and ...