Paul Gavarni, Impressions of Ménage, Plate 17, Mid-19th Century, Lithograph

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Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 17. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 17. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist Paul Gavarni, from his acclaimed satirical series Impressions de Ménage ("Impressions of Married Life"). Published by Chez Panier, Rue du Croissant, Paris, and printed by Aubert & Cie, the series humorously explores the daily compromises, quarrels, and affections of bourgeois married life through Gavarni's acute observation of human behaviour. This plate depicts an elderly husband and wife walking side by side in apparent silence, their conversation turning to the familiar domestic rivalry between beloved pets. The husband carries a small basket, while the wife, wrapped in a bonnet and shawl, walks ahead with folded hands. Beneath the image appears the dialogue: — Sac-à-papier! Dorothée!\. j'ai oublié le mou de ton chat. — C'est ça! mais vous n'avez pas oublié le biscuit pour votre oiseau, égoïste! — C'est bon! c'est bon! si mon chat n'a rien, je lui donnerai l'oiseau, moi! A translation reads: "Good heavens, Dorothée! I've forgotten the scraps for your cat." "Indeed! But you didn't forget the biscuit for your bird, you selfish man!" "All right, all right! If my cat has nothing to eat, I'll just feed it your bird!" The humour lies in the childish jealousy with which the couple defend their respective pets. What begins as a minor domestic oversight quickly escalates into exaggerated indignation, ending with the husband's absurdly melodramatic threat. Gavarni deftly transforms an everyday marital disagreement into a charming study of possessiveness, affection, and long-established habits between ageing spouses. Condition: Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet displays light age toning, scattered foxing, faint vertical fold lines, and minor surface soiling consistent with age. There are a few small foxing spots within the image and margins, while the lithographic impression remains crisp, with strong tonal contrast and well-preserved detail. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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