40 Humorous Covers of Le Rire Magazine in the Early 20th Century

Le Rire was a French satirical magazine first published in 1894. Founded by Félix Juven, it became one of the most popular and influential humor publications of the Belle Époque period in France. The title “Le Rire” translates to “The Laugh” in English, reflecting its focus on wit, satire, and visual humor.

The magazine was known for its colorful illustrations, caricatures, and commentary on politics, society, and culture. It featured the work of many notable French artists and cartoonists of the time, including Théophile Steinlen, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Jules Grandjouan. Through its pages, Le Rire offered both sharp political critique and lighthearted social observation, capturing the spirit of turn-of-the-century Paris.

Le Rire enjoyed great popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the Dreyfus Affair, when it often published provocative and pointed artwork. Though its influence declined in the mid-20th century, Le Rire remains an important example of early illustrated satire and a valuable historical record of French cultural life during its golden age.

This collection highlights some of the most humorous covers from Le Rire magazine in the early 20th century.

Cover of Le Rire magazine, July 7, 1900

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 10, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, December 25, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, June 29, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, May 11, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, May 18, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, September 14, 1901

Cover of Le Rire magazine, April 5, 1902

Cover of Le Rire magazine, July 29, 1905

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 10, 1906

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 31, 1907

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 9, 1907

Cover of Le Rire magazine, April 3, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 7, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, December 4, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, December 25, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 13, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 20, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, June 26, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, March 27, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, May 31, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, November 6, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, October 2, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, October 9, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, September 25, 1909

Cover of Le Rire magazine, May 7, 1910

Cover of Le Rire magazine, March 2, 1912

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 14, 1914

Cover of Le Rire magazine, October 4, 1913

Cover of Le Rire magazine, February 6, 1915

Cover of Le Rire magazine, April 12, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 2, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 9, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, August 16, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, July 5, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, March 22, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, October 25, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, September 6, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, September 13, 1919

Cover of Le Rire magazine, September 20, 1919