Les Signalemens, No. 6 - Charles Philipon

A satirical lithograph by Charles Philipon depicting three distinct social archetypes with accompanying descriptive text, typical of nineteenth-century French caricature.

This lithograph, titled Les Signalemens, No. 6, belongs to a series of satirical prints produced by the French artist and publisher Charles Philipon. During the early nineteenth century, Philipon became a central figure in Parisian print culture, particularly through his work for journals such as La Caricature and Le Charivari. His output often focused on the social types and political climate of the July Monarchy.

The composition presents three distinct figures, each accompanied by a brief descriptive text that serves to categorise their social standing and personal habits. The left figure depicts an actress, characterised by her attire and mannerisms. The central figure is a man, described through his worn clothing and physical posture. The right figure represents a dowager from the Marais district, identified by her specific headwear and accessories. The style is typical of the period, employing clean lines and delicate hand-colouring to define the silhouettes against a plain background.

Philipon utilised these character studies to offer a commentary on the rigid social hierarchies of the time. By reducing individuals to a set of visual markers, he invited the viewer to participate in the act of social observation. The print reflects the broader interest in physiognomy and social classification that permeated nineteenth-century European thought. The work is printed on paper with a light cream tone, typical of the lithographic processes used by Parisian publishers like Martinet. The text below each figure provides a humorous or cynical summary of their traits, reinforcing the satirical intent of the series. This piece provides a window into the urban life of Paris, capturing the sartorial details and social archetypes that defined the era.