The first issue appeared on 3 January 1880, heralding a break from the oppressive morality of the regime that had followed the fall of the Paris Commune in 1871. However, La Caricature appeared before the act of 29 July 1881 gave much greater freedom to the press. The masthead of La Caricature was classic in design, at first showing Albert Robida as editor, and La Librairie illustrée as publisher. The offices were 7 rue du Croissant, the same premises as La Librairie illustrée, in the heart of the press district of Paris. The journal appeared every Friday.
