B.moloch Caricature Table

This caricature signed by B. Moloch (pseudonym of Alphonse Hector Colomb) represents a painting on a wooden panel of Léon Bérard, a French politician active during the Third Republic. Dated between 1849 and 1909, this satirical work illustrates Bérard in uniform, probably that of the postal service, standing with his feet in the water, appearing to be fishing in the Seine. The deliberate disproportion between his head and his body, a trait typical of Moloch, accentuates the ridiculousness of the scene while marking the public recognition of the character. The setting in the background presents an official building with a flag, emphasizing his public role or an allusion to a state institution. The technique used, a mixture of painting and caricature drawing, is characteristic of Moloch, who uses the exaggeration of physical features to criticize or deride his subjects. Léon Bérard's facial expression, with his thick eyebrows, pronounced nose and concentrated air, reinforces the humor of the situation, while capturing a certain reality of the time, marked by political figures often ridiculed in the press. Biography of the artist Alphonse Hector Colomb, known as B. Moloch, was born in 1849 and died in 1909. A prolific illustrator and caricaturist, he collaborated with many satirical weeklies such as Le Chambord socialiste, La Fronde, L'Eclipse, Le Grelot, Le Pêle-mêle and La Silhouette. Specializing in political caricatures, he marked his era with his exaggerated and humorous portraits, mocking figures of power and influencing the public perception of these figures. His work is dominated by critical portraits of public and political figures, marking his era with a critical and humorous look at figures of power. Moloch is known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with humor and satire, often in a social or political context. He produced notable caricatures, including those of King Gustav V of Sweden and Henry Chéron, Minister of Agriculture, but also Léon Bérard, as seen here. His works have been sold at auction 47 times, in the categories “Drawing-Watercolor” and “Painting”, with the oldest sale recorded in 1991 and the most recent in 2023. Context of the work This caricature of Léon Bérard is a satire of the character in a setting likely symbolic of public or administrative service. The evocation of fishing in the Seine, associated with a postal service uniform, could be an ironic metaphor for his political actions or a particular event in his career. Moloch, by collaborating with influential satirical newspapers such as Le Chambord socialiste, La Fronde, L'Eclipse, Le Grelot, Le Pêle-mêle and La Silhouette, helped shape public opinion through this type of representation. His caricatures, including this one, are striking examples of political satire at the end of the 19th century, humorously denouncing the failings of public figures.