"The Five Stages" from The Complete Works of Béranger

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of's Drawings and Prints collection, where you'll find *The Five Stages* from *The Complete Works of Banger* (1836). This wood engraving, measuring 8⅝ × 5½ inches, brings together the poetic talents of French lyricist Pierre-Jean deéranger with the visionary illustrations of J.J. Grandville, alongside engravers Henry Isidore Chevchet and publishers Fournier Perrotin. Part of *The Elisha Whittelsey Collection it exemplifies 19th-century book illustration at its finest. Béranger, a beloved satirist during France's Restoration and July Monarchy eras, crafted witty songs critiquing society and politics—often censored yet wildly popular. Grandville, a pioneer of caricature, infused the scene with his signature fantastical flair, likely depicting life's "five stages" through humorous, anthropomorphic vignettes that captured the era's social commentary. Wood engraving, the medium here, was revolutionary for its precision and ability to reproduce detailed images in books, making high art accessible to the masses. This print not only highlights the collaborative spirit of Romantic-era publishing but also reflects France's vibrant culture of satire amid political turbulence. A charming window into 1830s wit, it's a testament to how prints bridged literature and visual storytelling for everyday audiences.

About the Artist

Pierre Jean de Béranger|J. J. Grandville|Henry Isidore Chevauchet|Fournier & Perrotin (French|French) · 1780 | –1857 |

French, Paris 1780–1857 Paris|French