Chap. VII: C'est à qui m'aura (Who will claim me?)

Art Historical Context

"Chap. VII: C'est à qui m'aura (Who will claim me? is a lively lithograph from 182, created collaboratively by draughtsman Langlumé, artist Victor Adam and printers Sazerac and Duval Measuring 14¼ × 10⅛ inches, this print captures a moment of playful rivalry, likely a comedic social scene involving men vying for a woman's attention, as suggested by its evocative title and tags for men and women. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, it exemplifies the collaborative spirit of early 19th-century French printmaking. Lithography, a revolutionary technique invented just decades earlier, allowed artists like Victor Adam—known for his dynamic illustrations of theater and daily life—to reproduce intricate drawings with remarkable fidelity and tonal range using greasy crayon on stone. By 1824, during France's Bourbon Restoration, this medium had exploded in popularity in Paris, enabling affordable caricatures, fashion plates, and serialized stories that democratized art for a broad audience. The "Chap. VII" designation hints at its role in a narrative series, perhaps illustrating a novel, play, or satirical tale reflecting the era's flirtatious social customs. This work highlights lithography's cultural impact, bridging fine art and popular entertainment while preserving fleeting moments of human drama. Visitors will appreciate its wit and technical finesse, a window into Restoration-era France's vibrant print culture.