Caricature of Berlioz, from La Caricature Provisoire, no. 1

Art Historical Context

This 1838 lithograph by French caricaturist Benjamin Roubaud captures composer Hector Berlioz in a witty, exaggerated portrait published in the short-lived satirical journal *La Caricature Provisoire*. Roubaud, known for his sharp observations of Parisian cultural life, depicts the Romantic-era musician surrounded by the tools of his trade—musical instruments and writing implements—highlighting Berlioz’s dual identity as both creator and conductor during a period of intense artistic innovation. Lithography, a relatively new printmaking technique at the time, enabled affordable, widely distributed images that reached a broad audience beyond the elite. This print exemplifies how caricature served as both entertainment and cultural commentary in 19th-century France, gently poking fun at prominent figures like Berlioz while reflecting the era’s fascination with music and the performing arts. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through a generous gift, the work offers today’s viewers a lively glimpse into the lively intersection of music, media, and public persona in Romantic Paris.

About the Artist

Benjamin Roubaud (called "Benjamin")|Aubert et Cie (French|French) · 1811 |1829 –1847 |1929

French, 1811–1847|