Alexis Pothuau
1815-1882
This playful caricature transforms French Admiral Alexis Pothuau into a bobblehead-like figure, sporting a massive head atop a tiny, dandy-ish military body. Artist Eugène Giraud, a favorite of 19th-century Parisian high society, uses exaggerated proportions—like the prominent nose and receding hairline—to poke gentle fun at the serious Minister of Marine. Despite the comical stance with hands on hips, the detailed uniform, complete with gold epaulettes and a sword, reminds us of his high rank. It’s a perfect example of how caricature was used to humanize powerful figures during the Second Empire.
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