C'est peut-être bon...mais c'est égal..., from Les Hippophages, published in Le Charivari, October 23, 1856

Aaron Martinet's lithograph, "C'est peut-être bon...mais c'est égal...," from the series 'Les Hippophages,' published in the satirical French newspaper 'Le Charivari' on October 23, 1856, offers a glimpse into 19th-century Parisian society and its evolving tastes. 'Le Charivari' was renowned for its social and political commentary, often delivered through biting caricatures and visual humor, a common thread in Martinet's known works, which frequently appeared in the publication. This particular piece, part of a series about 'hippophagy' (the eating of horse meat), likely comments on the public's reaction to this then-unconventional culinary practice. Horse meat was seen as a cheap alternative to beef, and its introduction into Parisian diets was met with both curiosity and disdain. Martinet's work, rendered in the second state of two, captures the nuanced societal response, using visual storytelling to convey a sentiment that is perhaps accepting, yet ultimately indifferent ('C'est peut-être bon...mais c'est égal...' – 'It might be good...but it doesn't matter...'). Through such prints, Martinet contributed to the cultural dialogue of his time, reflecting and shaping public opinion on everyday life, politics, and social change.