Charles Leandre was a renowned French illustrator known for his satirical and politically charged artwork. His illustrations graced the covers of various publications, including Le Rire, where he fearlessly tackled controversial topics of his time. In one of his notable works, featured on the cover of Le Rire no. 198 in November 1906, Leandre depicted President Bibendum with the caption "I also drink the obstacle. " This clever illustration humorously criticized societal barriers and obstacles faced by individuals. Leandre's talent extended beyond political satire to encompass sports as well. In an illustration for The Fun Journal in 1901, he portrayed a lively boxing match capturing the intensity and excitement of this popular sport. The artist did not shy away from addressing sensitive issues either. One such example is his illustration titled "Le repas de l'ogre" (The Ogre's Meal), which appeared on the cover of Le Rire in March 1898. This piece alluded to anti-Semitism during the Dreyfus Affair, symbolizing Edouard Drumont as an ogre devouring innocent victims. Another significant event that influenced Leandre's work was France's separation from Church and State. Through his artistry, he highlighted key figures like Jean-Bienvenu Martin (Bienvenu-Martin), who served as Minister of Public Instruction during this period. During World War I, Leandre created poignant cartoons reflecting the horrors of war. One such drawing depicted Pope Benedict XV blessing a German soldier massacring a mother and her baby—a powerful critique on religious institutions endorsing violence. Leandre also captured historical moments through illustrations like "The Wars of her Reign" in 1901 or "General Charles Mangin and his underlings" in February 1917—both showcasing important events during their respective times. Furthermore, he caricatured prominent figures such as Edouard Drumont and even targeted influential families like the Rothschilds.