The charlatan character "Robert Macaire" was based on the melodrama "L'Auberge des Adrets" and was adapted to print by Charivari publisher Philipon. Daumier did a series of prints based on his exploits.
The text reads: "Monsieur de Macaire, allow me to note that I find your accounts amazing. For a spy, who was charged to keep the prince posted on the daily news: 120'000 francs. For an uprising, which never took place, 35'000 francs. Salaries for various persons, party members of the prince, 370'000, 15 f. 525'000, 15 - What do you mean, Duke, that you are surprised, you surely must know that ascending the throne is not as easy as descending it. Wrong, Duke, completely wrong. You are not up to date."