Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Abstract

MonsieurMayeux was a fictional hunchback dwarf found in visual and literary media during and after the period of the July Monarchy (1830-1848) in France. Many artists, among them Honoré Daumier, and writers, including Victor Hugo and Alfred de Musset, popularized the hunchback. Mayeux was a unique "type " capable ofaddressing a diverse public on several simultaneous levels. The ambiguities inherent in his physical and psychological characteristics aided individuals who "used" him to sell a product or advocate a political position. With Saint-Simonism we can witness Mayeux being used to address both sides of the same argument. Although he was an unlikely "hero, " the hunchback dwarf was uniquely qualified to address topical issues of the period, including the increasing popularity of the social system ofHenri de Saint- Simon. Mayeux appeared as a primary character in a series of texts and lithographic prints that commented directly or indirectly on Enfantin 's effective marketing of a reconfigured Saint-Simonist doctrine in the opening years of the July Monarchy. As an ironic choice —partly because of Enfantin 's connection ofphysical beauty to moral uprightness — Mayeux evoked discussion. In addition, part of Saint- Simon's conception of God was as a harmoniser of all antitheses and the "sciences " of physiognomy and phrenology had informed the religious philosopher's ideas as much as it had helped shape Mayeux's physical form. Since he had a reputation in prints as being a womanize. Mayeux helped criticize the concept of love promoted by Saint-Simonists. As "everyman " representing the lower and middle classes, Mayeux would necessarily be concerned with Utopian theories proposing societal changes to benefit the disenfranchised. Those critical of Enfantin took advantage of

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