Louis-Philippe, "King of the French"

Hundreds of caricatures of Louis-Philippe were published during his reign, especially in newspapers such as Charivari and La Caricature. His conservative ministry, led by François Guizot and supported mainly by the upper bourgeoisie, was unresponsive to the economic needs and political desires of the growing industrial classes. For this reason, contemporary cartoons frequently portray him stealing public funds. Opposition to the monarchy grew, until it culminated with the Revolution of 1848, when Louis-Philippe abdicated and fled to England. He died there two years later.

Caricatures of Louis-Philippe often depicted him with the head of a pear, perhaps because of a certain natural resemblance, but more likely because the slang meaning of "poire" is simpleton or bungler.

45 Pauvres Aveugles: view image; Lithograph by A. Desperet (d. 1865). [Paris], Chez Aubert, [1833].

19 x 27 cmDA f5 xx

Plate 282 from La Caricature, no. 136 (June 13, 1833). Louis-Philippe is followed by his ministers, carrying bags of money as they descend into the "Gouffre de l'illigalité."

46 [ Caricature of Louis-Philippe and Guizot ]: view image; Lithograph by unknown artist. [Paris], Lith. Gosselin, [184–?].

25.5 x 19 cmDA f14 x

Louis-Philippe and Guizot stealing money from the "trésor public."

47 La Poire Tapée: view image; Lithograph by unknown artist. [Paris], Chez Aubert, [ca. 1848].

20 x 16 cmDA f13 x

A pear-headed Louis-Philippe runs from an angry crowd while money falls out of a bag he carries. The title is a play on words—it can mean a pear that has been dried in the oven, or it can refer to the slang meaning of "taper," to borrow money from someone.

48 [ Caricature of Louis-Philippe ]: view image; Lithograph by unknown artist. [Paris], Chez Lordereau, [1848?].

24 x 18.5 cmDA f23 x

"Crowned by the Academy of Overripe Pears." The head of Louis-Philippe appears as the fruit of a potted plant, beneath which is printed "empoté en 1830, dépoté en 1848." Guizot is a poisonous parasite on the plant.

49 Le Grand Saut . . . Sot: view image; Lithograph by unknown artist. [Paris], Lith. de Lordereau, [1848?].

25.5 x 23 cmDA f26 xx

Louis-Philippe is pictured jumping over the Channel from France to England. The title is a play on words, which can be read "the big leap" or "the big fool."

Previous – Politics and War Next – Speculation and Credit