Benjamin Roubaud (1811-1847): The Pioneering Spirit of 19th-century Caricature Artistry

Benjamin Roubaud: A constellation of brilliant painters illuminated the world of 19th-century French art, each leaving their unique mark on the canvas of history. Among these luminaries was Benjamin Roubaud, whose name may not echo as loudly as some of his contemporaries but is nonetheless etched in the annals of art as a multifaceted genius. Born on May 29, 1811, and departing from this world on January 13, 1847, Benjamin Roubaud was not only a painter but also a lithographer and a caricaturist. In this article, we will delve into the life and artistry of Benjamin Roubaud, tracing his journey from a student of renowned painters to a celebrated artist and a social commentator.

The Early Life of Benjamin Roubaud

Benjamin Roubaud was the son of Mathieu Aubert Roubaud and Rosalie Caillol, born into a family with a deep-rooted connection to the world of art. His early exposure to the artistic environment laid the foundation for his future endeavors. However, he decided to study under the renowned painter Louis Hersent in Paris, setting the stage for his artistic journey. Under Hersent’s guidance, Roubaud honed his skills and embarked on a path that would lead him to leave an indelible mark on the art world.

Artistic Evolution at the Salon

Between 1833 and 1847, Benjamin Roubaud exhibited his creations at the Salon, showcasing a diverse range of works. His oeuvre included genre paintings, landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. Much of his work at this time was heavily influenced by the masterful style of his teacher, Louis Hersent. This period saw the emergence of Roubaud as a painter of honorable repute.

Notably, after 1840, Roubaud expanded his horizons by becoming a correspondent for the magazine L’Illustration in Algiers. This venture allowed him to explore and depict themes related to Algeria, marking a shift in his artistic focus toward more socially relevant subject matter.

The Caricaturist Extraordinaire

While Roubaud’s journey as a painter was impressive, his role as a caricaturist and cartoonist genuinely showcased the full extent of his talent. Alongside luminaries like Daumier and Grandville, he was integral to satirical newspapers in 19th-century France. From 1830 to 1835, he collaborated with ‘La Caricature’ and ‘Le Charivari,’ and illustrated satirical newspapers directed by Charles Philipon, who became a subject of Roubaud’s humorous portraiture.

Roubaud’s contributions weren’t limited to these two publications. He also lent his artistic brilliance to other newspapers like ‘La Mode.’ His satirical and humorous sketches, often aimed at lampooning his time’s political and societal aspects, were instrumental in bringing about a more profound sense of engagement and criticism.

One of the most noteworthy projects that Benjamin Roubaud embarked upon during this period was his work for the ‘Galerie de la presse, de la littérature et des arts’ and the ‘Panthéon charivarique.’ In this undertaking, he created portraits of influential personalities of the era. These caricatured portraits, a hundred in total, serve as historical documents, offering a unique perspective on the influential figures of the time.

Notable Series and Contributions

Throughout his career as a caricaturist and cartoonist, Benjamin Roubaud worked on several series. He made notable contributions that continue to be celebrated in art and satirical commentary. Some of these include:

1. Le Grand Chemin de la Postérité (“The Great Path of Posterity”): This series captures the essence of the Romantic era. It features Victor Hugo, the “King of the Hugolâtres,” astride a Pegasus and wielding a sword of Toledo. He is joined by other prominent figures, including Théophile Gautier, Cassagnac, Francis Wey, and Paul Fouché. The portrayal of Eugène Sue’s attempt to climb to their level and Alexandre Dumas’s hurried arrival adds a humorous touch. Lamartine engages in political, poetic, and religious musings in the clouds above.

2. Les Annonces (with Philipon): Collaborating with Charles Philipon, Roubaud contributed to ‘Les Annonces,’ another satirical publication where his wit and artistic skills were fully displayed.

3. Les Mauvais Locataires: This series, titled ‘The Bad Tenants,’ likely offered a humorous take on societal issues, further demonstrating Roubaud’s social commentary through art.

4. Vie et Aventures de M. Jobard: The life and adventures of Mr. Jobard, portrayed by Roubaud, were brought to life through illustrations that added a unique touch to this character’s story.

5. La Contrebande aux Barrières: Focusing on smuggling at the barriers, this series showcases Roubaud’s ability to turn severe subjects into witty, engaging visual narratives.

6. Enfantillages: Translating to ‘Childishness’ or ‘Trifles,’ this series likely explored lighthearted themes with a playful touch.

7. Portraits-Charge for the Miroir Drolatique: Roubaud’s caricatured portraits found a home in the ‘Miroir Drolatique,’ a publication known for its humorous and exaggerated depictions.

8. Le Grand Chemin de la Postérité (3 Series): This series was divided into three segments, each featuring portraits of different categories of influential figures: men of letters, playwrights, novelists, and actors. These large, broad leaves contained two strips of caricatured portraits, each offering a unique perspective on the personalities of the time.

Roubaud’s Unique Perspective

“Benjamin Roubaud hardly reaches the comic; just drawing attracts him more; he pencils carefully, with charm; the sake of accuracy gives him a taste of the portrait-charge, which he successfully creates,” noted Émile Bayard in his work, “La Caricature et les caricaturistes.” This statement captures the essence of Roubaud’s approach to art. While he may not have been an outright comic artist, his talent lay in his meticulous rendering of subjects with a touch of charm and, most notably, a keen eye for accuracy in his portrait-charge work. His portrayal of influential figures of the time through caricatures was humorous and insightful, offering viewers a window into the personalities and societal dynamics of the era.

In Retrospect

Benjamin Roubaud’s contributions to 19th-century French art were multifaceted and profound. He mastered traditional forms and techniques as a painter, showcasing his versatility through genre paintings, landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. His role as a correspondent in Algiers allowed him to explore new thematic territories, providing a different dimension to his artistic repertoire.

However, Roubaud’s work as a caricaturist and cartoonist truly set him apart. His collaborations with renowned satirical publications, along with his series of caricatures, reveal an artist

He possessed exceptional drawing skills and a deep understanding of his time’s societal and political currents. Through humor and artistic exaggeration, he offered a unique perspective on the influential figures and issues of 19th-century France.

Today, Benjamin Roubaud’s legacy endures as an artist and a social commentator who used his talent to critique and entertain, leaving behind a rich tapestry of 19th-century French society. His works continue to be celebrated as historical documents, providing valuable insights into a bygone era. In the grand tapestry of art history, Benjamin Roubaud’s contributions may have been overshadowed by more prominent figures. Still, his brilliance shines as brightly as ever in the hearts of those who appreciate the art of wit and caricature.

Benjamin Roubaud Gallery

View Gallery 22 images

Read also

• La Caricature (1830-1843): The Satirical Magazine That Mocked Louis-Philippe and Shaped French Political Discourse
• Honore Daumier (1808-1879): The French Caricaturist Who Pioneered Political Satire

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Benjamin Roubaud

1. Who was Benjamin Roubaud?

Benjamin Roubaud, full name Joseph Germain Mathieu Roubaud, was a 19th-century French painter, lithographer, and Caricaturist.

2. When and where was Benjamin Roubaud born?

Benjamin Roubaud was born on May 29, 1811, in France.

3. Who were Benjamin Roubaud’s parents?

His parents were Mathieu Aubert Roubaud and Rosalie Caillol.

4. What artistic training did Benjamin Roubaud receive?

Benjamin Roubaud studied under the painter Louis Hersent in Paris.

5. What type of artwork did Benjamin Roubaud create and exhibit at the Salon?

Benjamin Roubaud exhibited genre paintings, landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, often following the style of his master, Louis Hersent.

6. How did Benjamin Roubaud contribute to the world of caricature and satire?

Benjamin Roubaud was a cartoonist and Caricaturist who collaborated with satirical newspapers such as La Caricature and Le Charivari. He worked alongside famous artists like Daumier and Grandville.

7. What were some of Benjamin Roubaud’s notable works as a caricaturist?

He created satirical series such as “Le Grand Chemin de la postérité,” “Les Annonces,” “Les Mauvais Locataires,” “Vie et Aventures de M. Jobard,” “La Contrebande aux Barrières,” and “Enfantillages.” He also produced “Portraits-Charge” for the Miroir drolatique.

8. What is “Le Grand Chemin de la postérité,” and what does it depict?

“Le Grand Chemin de la postérité” is a satirical series that portrays notable individuals, including men of letters, playwrights, novelists, and actors, humorously and exaggeratedly.

9. What did art critics say about Benjamin Roubaud’s work?

According to Émile Bayard, Benjamin Roubaud excelled in accurate and charming drawing, showing a particular talent for portrait caricatures.

10. Are there any notable references or books about Benjamin Roubaud’s life and work?

References include the book “La caricature et les caricaturistes” by Émile Bayard and “Dictionnaire critique des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs” by Emmanuel Bénézit. Additionally, John Grand-Carteret’s “Les Mœurs et la Caricature en France” is a relevant source.