Caricature of a Junkman [recto], Caricature of a School Master [verso]

Art Historical Context

Discover the playful double-sided drawing *Caricature of a Junkman* [recto] and *Caricature of a School Master* [verso] by French artists Jean-Charles Delafosse and Ennemond Alexandre Petitot. This intimate sheet captures exaggerated portraits of everyday men—a humble junkman on the front and a stern schoolmaster on the back—highlighting the artists' talent for satire through distorted features and humorous expressions. At just 6 11/16 x 4 3/16 inches, its compact size suggests it was a personal sketch, perfect for quick studies or private amusement. Crafted with pen and black ink over black chalk underdrawing, enhanced by vibrant brush washes in brown, blue, and pink (recto) or gray, blue, and pink (verso), the work demonstrates masterful mixed-media techniques. These washes add depth and color to the lively lines, bringing the caricatures to vivid life and showcasing the fluidity of 18th-century draftsmanship in the Drawings and Prints department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection (1960), this piece reflects the cultural delight in caricature, a popular genre for poking fun at human quirks and social types. It invites visitors to appreciate how such drawings turned ordinary figures into memorable characters, blending artistry with wit.

About the Artist

Jean Charles Delafosse|Ennemond Alexandre Petitot · 1734–1789

French architect. Comment on works: architect; copper engraver Comment on works: Architect; Draughtsman; Ornamentist; Engraver