Abstract:
Caricature of Cunin-Gridaine, entrepreneur and politician. Laurent Cunin-Gridaine (1778-1859) was an industrialist, employing some 5’000 workers in textile production. He became Minister of Agriculture and Commerce from 1837 until 1848. Friend of Lafayette. Cunin did not speak much and did not seem to be overly bright. His general incompetence, according to the Charivari, was so reliable that he was repeatedly appointed as Secretary to the Chamber. Cunin came from a poor family but by marrying his employer’s daughter he moved up financially. His background guaranteed him a post in the Republican movement. The Charivari gave him the nick name “cul-nain” (short-arse).
