Joujoux d’été des parisiens
1867
Edmond Morin’s 1867 illustration, titled 'Summer Toys of Parisians,' captures the frantic, chaotic energy of city dwellers escaping for the weekend. Under a sign reading 'Bal Champêtre' (Country Dance), the scene is a jumbled mess of leisure activities: giant caricature heads float in the trees, a hot air balloon drifts by, and a 'Train de Plaisir' (Pleasure Train) chugs through the crowd. It’s a satirical snapshot of the era's new obsession with railway travel and crowded public parks, showing everyone rushing, fishing, and dancing in a delightful frenzy that mocks the idea of a relaxing day out.