Two Martyrs

Deux Martyrs (Honfleur) (original French title)

Etching, aquatint, and burnisher on laid Arches paper.
Ref: Bertin 188.  Only one known state.
Signed in pencil, and with the red monogram stamp (Lugt 3481).
Also annotated “Infortunés attendant le depart du bateau du Havre” in pencil.

This subject is indicative of Guérard’s somewhat dark humor.  In his annotation, he acknowledges that these pigs have met an unfortunate if predictable outcome.  Certainly inspired by a scene he witnessed, Guérard shows two slaughtered animals, partially covered, on a wharf in Honfleur on their way to Le Havre.  He hints at what will be next for them, with the letters “UTERIE”, part of the word charcuterie.  And he also refers to the animals’ past life, in what looks like pork dreams…