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Le lest. French cartoon shows Marianne (symbol of France) in a balloon
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Le lest. French cartoon shows Marianne (symbol of France) in a balloon
Le lest. French cartoon shows Marianne (symbol of France) in a balloon labeled RF in the colors of the French flag, jettisoning men from a bag as if they were ballast. Date 1875
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Media ID 7301526
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10598224
Le Lest
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and thought-provoking political cartoon from 1875, created by an unknown artist, which offers a satirical commentary on the French political landscape of the time. The image features Marianne, the symbolic representation of France, floating in a hot air balloon labeled "RF," adorned with the tricolor flags of the French Republic. Marianne, with her iconic Phrygian cap and liberty robe, is shown jettisoning men from a large sack as if they were ballast. This act symbolizes the perceived abandonment of the common people by the French government, which was struggling to maintain stability and address the social and economic challenges of the post-Revolution era. The cartoon's title, "Le Lest," is derived from the French word for ballast, emphasizing the theme of weight and burden. The men being discarded from the balloon represent the various social classes and groups that felt disenfranchised and neglected by the government. This powerful image is part of the rich historical collection of Mary Evans Prints Online and offers a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the late 19th century. The use of a hot air balloon as a metaphor for the French Republic highlights the emerging field of aeronautics and the sense of adventure and discovery that characterized the period. "Le Lest" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the French government during this time and the consequences of neglecting the needs of its people. The cartoon's enduring relevance underscores the importance of understanding historical context and the role of satire in shaping public opinion.
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