Exposition universelle: Quel sont les plus Chinois?

Art Historical Context

This 1867 wood engraving, created by Charles Maurand after a design by Honoré Daumier, captures the spirit of the Paris Exposition Universelle, the grand world’s fair that drew millions to celebrate industrial and cultural achievements. Daumier, a leading French caricaturist of the 19th century, frequently used satire to comment on contemporary events, and the print’s playful title—“Who Are the Most Chinese?”—suggests a humorous take on the fair’s international displays, particularly those featuring Chinese art, goods, and visitors that fascinated European audiences. Wood engraving was a popu...