Scarce hand colored lithograph, illustrating a 19th-century American General in a relaxed, almost satirical posture, indicative of the artist’s distinct style.
The image shows and American General, surrounded by newspapers, depicted reclining precariously in a chair with an exaggerated expression of intensity. While it is tempting to suggest that the image is a Union General such as Ulysses S Grant, it may in fact be a caricature of Abraham Lincoln.
The creator of this engaging work, Jules Renard, known by his pseudonym Draner (an inversion of his surname), was a self-taught Belgian artist who gained fame for his caricatures and contributions to prominent periodicals of his time. After moving to Paris in 1861, Draner's works were frequently featured in notable satirical and news periodicals, including Le Charivari, L'Eclipse, and Le Monde Illustré, among others.
Draner's keen interest in military and naval spectacles of the mid-19th century, particularly their pomp and circumstance, informed much of his artistic output. This lithograph is part of Types Militaires: Galerie militaire de toutes les nations, a prestigious series published by Daziaro and printed by Lemercier. The series is celebrated for its humorous yet accurate depiction of military figures from various nations, showcasing Draner’s meticulous attention to the intricate details of military uniforms and accoutrements.
Beyond his contributions to lithography, Draner’s creativity extended to the design of costumes for theaters and opera houses across Europe and America, from La Scala in Milan to the Metropolitan Opera in New York. His theatrical designs continued to reflect his characteristic wit and attention to detail.
Upon his death in 1926, Draner left a significant legacy, including his extensive collection of drawings to the University of Liège, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of caricature and military satire in European art. This lithograph remains a testament to his artistic skill and his satirical lens on military life and its absurdities.