

Late-ish reply, but I’m enjoying how Grandpa doesn’t even need arms anymore to serve his purpose. Perhaps not-too-far in the future he can be reduced to a sort of bobble-headed matryoshka, like the old “Shmoo” character, or once upon a time, children’s toys “Weebles,” which would famously wobble, but never fall down.
1847 was a year of economic turmoil in France, which preceded a second revolution in 1848. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was related to any of that.
Also, the tall officer in the middle looks very familiar, but then again, I guess it was a pretty common look, i.e. middle-aged man with a drooping, caterpillar moustache.