Richard von Metternich (1829-1895)
1860
Eugène Giraud captures the Austrian diplomat Richard von Metternich in this delightful 1860 caricature, playfully exaggerating his prominent beard and receding hairline while keeping his dignified posture intact. As the Austrian ambassador to Paris during a turbulent time in European politics, Metternich was a frequent subject of social satire, and Giraud—a French artist known for his witty sketches—pokes fun at his serious demeanor by shrinking his body and enlarging his head. It’s a charming glimpse into the high-society gossip of the Second French Empire, where even powerful diplomats weren't safe from the artist's brush.
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