Who painted Miroir Drolatique: No. 6?

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 was painted by Marie Alexandre Alophe in 1842.

Where can I see Miroir Drolatique: No. 6?

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Miroir Drolatique: No. 6?

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Miroir Drolatique: No. 6?

Museum-quality prints of Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6

Marie Alexandre Alophe , 1842

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 is a print by the Romanticist artist Marie Alexandre Alophe. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Miroir Drolatique: No.

Accession no.: 1942.982
Credit line: Gift of George W. Bierce

About this work

The image depicts a man wearing a hat and a long-sleeved shirt with loose-fitting pants, standing in front of a pedestal with a lion statue on it.

The image depicts a man wearing a hat and a long-sleeved shirt with loose-fitting pants, standing in front of a pedestal with a lion statue on it. The man is holding the lion's paw and looking at it with a serious expression. The background is a light color, and there are some words written at the top and bottom of the image.

The man's clothing and the lion statue suggest that the image may be from the 19th century. The style of the drawing is detailed and realistic, with shading and texture that gives the image depth and dimension.

The image appears to be a caricature or satirical drawing, possibly commenting on the relationship between humans and animals. The use of a lion as a subject may also suggest a commentary on power or strength. To learn more about this style of art, explore the Romanticism movement.

Overview

Miroir Drolatique: No. 6 is a mid‑19th‑century print executed by French artist Marie Alexandre Alophe, dated approximately 1842. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It presents a single figure in a satirical pose before a pedestal that supports a lion statue, accompanied by brief textual elements at the top and bottom of the sheet.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a man in a hat, long‑sleeved shirt and loose trousers reaching out to grasp the lion’s paw, his gaze fixed and solemn. The juxtaposition of a human hand with a powerful animal suggests a playful commentary on dominance, control, or the absurdity of human pretensions toward nature, characteristic of the humorous tone implied by the title.

Technique & Style

Alophe employs a detailed, realistic drawing style, using fine line work and cross‑hatching to render texture in the clothing, the stone pedestal, and the lion’s mane. Subtle shading creates a sense of volume, while the light‑colored background isolates the figures, emphasizing the caricatural gesture without distracting ornamentation.

History & Provenance

Created around 1842, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific provenance details are not recorded in the source). Its presence in a major American institution reflects the broader 19th‑century interest in French satirical prints and their circulation beyond Europe.