Is this piece of artwork a legitimate piece from the past, or a modern construction designed to look old? (NSFW)

by ThunderOrb

Here is the image NSFW

What is the story behind this piece? How old is it? Who created it? Why? Is it supposed to be depicting anyone in particular?

(x-post from /r/monkslookingatbeer)

crow_hill

So yeah, it's old, but it's not old. It is in fact from 1890, it's called "Le dejeuner interrompu" (the interrupted lunch), it's French and I don't know a whole lot more about it except that someone in my department printed out a copy and hung it above the shared printer about a year ago.

Other googled facts:

It was acutioned at Christies

It was one of five similar pieces.

The artist is unknown.

If there is any context other than the obvious (biting political satire seems unlikely), I don't know what it is.

It is apparently worth 1500$.

So there's probably more than anyone really needs to know.

I'm taking the stupid thing down. Tired of looking at it. But I did subscribe to /r/monkslookingatbeer because who could resist?