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

In this lithograph, a man sits hunched over a plate of meat, his expression a mix of apprehension and resignation. He is clearly not enjoying his meal, a stark contrast to the hearty appetites often associated with dining. The title, "C'est peut-être bon...mais c'est égal..." (It might be good...but it doesn't matter...), hints at a deeper societal commentary. Published in Le Charivari in 1856 as part of the series Les Hippophages, this print satirizes the controversial practice of eating horse meat, which had recently gained traction in France as an economical alternative during times of scarcity. The man's discomfort reflects the public's mixed feelings and lingering taboos surrounding this new culinary trend, highlighting the tension between necessity and tradition. The dark, heavy lines of the lithograph emphasize the somber mood and the sitter's internal struggle.