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This vibrant lithograph, titled La nouvelle chasse à courre, is one of Albert Guillaume’s notable contributions to L'Assiette au Beurre, a satirical magazine famed for its incisive commentary on social and political issues. Published as a supplement, the artwork humorously reimagines the traditional French hunt as a fantastical aerial pursuit involving dirigibles and attack falcons.
The full caption, Équipage du Marquis de L'Aigle. - Attaqué au-dessus de l'engrillagement des Essarts, un aigle rembuché par Jolibois, passe par dessus du bois Leblond, fait un retour, puis prend son parti, refuit sur la Malnière devant les faucons d'attaque, etc., etc., adds to the playful narrative by detailing the exaggerated movements of the hunt, which now unfolds above forests and across the skies. The title translates as "The Pack of the Marquis of the Eagle. – Attacked above the fenced area of Essarts, an eagle, ambushed by Jolibois, passes over the Leblond woods, turns back, then makes its decision and retreats to Malnière in front of the attack falcons, etc., etc."
Guillaume’s satirical illustration captures the zeitgeist of the early 20th century, reflecting the era’s fascination with technological advancements such as airships, which had been popularized by figures like Alberto Santos-Dumont. In this depiction, riders perched on elaborate, futuristic dirigibles chase their quarry with the assistance of falcons, blending humor with commentary on the merging of tradition and modernity.
This print is a clever critique of contemporary obsessions with aviation and progress, whimsically exaggerating how such innovations might influence cultural practices. Through its unique blend of humor and artistry, La nouvelle chasse à courre exemplifies the bold visual and thematic style of L'Assiette au Beurre, encapsulating the magazine's penchant for challenging conventions with wit and creativity.
