19th-century Satirical Pen-and-ink Drawing, Humorous Caricature, Before And After Stock Market

A 19th-century satirical drawing (caricature) humorously illustratingthe financial impact of stock market speculation on an individual. The workconsists of two comparative panels with handwritten captions: “before — the Stock Market — after.”

Signed: Artist to be identified; dated ‘91’ for 1891.

Analysis of the two panels.On the left (“before”): The figure appears uncertain and some what disheveled. His top hat is slightly misshapen ortilted to one side; his jacket is wrinkled; and his posture—on e handresting on his chin and the other buried in his pocket—conveys anxiety, doubt, or an initially modest financial situation.

On the right (“after”): After his time on the financial markets, the man has been transformed into a perfect representative of the triumphant upper middle class. His figure has become more robust (a symbol of opulenceat the time), his clothes are impeccably tailored, his mustache isproudly curled upward, and he displays the outward trappings of wealth: agold pocket-watch chain, an elegant cane, and a coat draped over hishis arm

This drawing is part of the great tradition of the French satirical press (such as *Le Charivari* or *La Caricature*), which loved to mock the foibles of nascent capitalism, the bourgeoisie, and the illusions of quick riches offered by the Paris Stock Exchange.
It satirically illustrates the theme ofrapid social advancement and the fascination—combined with mocking criticism—of the world of speculators at that time.

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