Traviès de Villers canvas

Oil on canvas mounted on wood signed lower center cj traviès, for charles joseph traviès de villers, this swiss artist naturalized french (1804-1859) famous for his caricatures. He worked for la caricature and le charivari and created in 1832 the character of mahieux, hunchback embodying all the faults of the bourgeoisie under louis-philippe. All the great caricaturists will take up this character. His friend daumier of course, robillard, delaporte and even balzac who will write under the same pseudonym for some newspapers. In 1835, caricature is banned by law and traviès starts drawing morals with a particular interest in small trades. He will illustrate balzac's novels. More than a canvas, a historical testimony, therefore with le mahieux on the right! 52 X 60 cm with the very beautiful original gilded frame. Note some light scratches and repaints here and there.