La Poire

cartoon by Philipon

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July 1, 2026

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"La Poire" was a famous caricature by Charles Philipon, a French caricaturist and journalist. Philipon created a drawing that depicted King Louis-Philippe's face transforming into the shape of a pear. This image became a widely recognized symbol for the king. Philipon's artists, including Honoré Daumier and Gustave Doré, frequently used this "pear" symbol in their satirical works, which were often published in Philipon's journals like La Caricature and Le Charivari. The pear itself, specifically the "Bosc" variety, is known for its firm flesh and brown or dark yellow skin.123

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Charles Philipon
La Poire became the common symbol of the king, and all Philipon’s artists used it in their caricatures. They were a notable group: he was able to attract and inspire the best talents in France. Honoré Daumier and Gustave Doré were the most famous, but…
Read More
La Poire became the common symbol of the king, and all Philipon’s artists used it in their caricatures. They were a notable group: he was able to attract and inspire the best talents in France. Honoré Daumier and Gustave Doré were the most famous, but…
Read More