This is a
very nice antiquarian (circa 1900) caricature done by Georges Goursat, a popular caricaturist of France's "Belle Epoque" period who was known as "Sem" and whose drawings typically featured the social elite, actors, singers, politicians, and the like who frequented Maxim's, Longchamp Downs, etc. He published many of his drawings in various French newspapers and magazines (see a photo of SEM directly below).
Georges Goursat (Sem), 1914
The caricature is a signed original hand-colored pochoir lithograph print on woven paper from about 1901. It is an original antique print and not a modern reproduction.
This caricature shows a gentleman in a top hat and cased binoculars, possibly at the Paris Opera, a favorite setting of SEM. The gentleman may be Baron de Bartholdi. Baron de Bartholdi was among the social-politico elite. For example, he was a permanent member of the Cercle des Patineure (cercle sportique et social). The Bartholdi name is linked to French Ministers, bankers, merchants, and, of course, to the famous sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. His identification was penciled in by someone (by Sem?) below his feet (please see photo directly below).
The picture is signed by SEM in the lower right portion.
Condition. There is toning, especially around the edges. The edges have wear and tears and small creases, common imperfections associated with age.
All in all, the primary depiction of the subject is itself in good condition with no tears or folds or stains.
