Paul Gavarni, Impressions of Ménage, Plate 6, Lithograph by Paul Gavarni, Mid-19th Century

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Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 6. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 6. 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 offers witty and perceptive observations on the everyday realities of marriage and bourgeois domestic life in nineteenth-century France. This humorous composition presents an ironic contrast between romantic fantasy and mundane reality. Beneath the shade of a tree, a young woman reclines dreamily with a book, absorbed in sentimental thoughts. Nearby, her husband stands knee-deep in the water, intent on fishing. The dialogue beneath the image reads: "Pauvres êtres, la providence nous mesure ici-bas de si rares félicités! oh! quand il est permis à une femme de s'abandonner aux enchantements, aux ineffables douceurs de l'amour heureux\." "— Ça mord!" ("Poor creatures, Providence grants us so few true joys on this earth! Oh, when a woman is allowed to surrender herself to the enchantments, to the ineffable sweetness of happy love\." "— I've got a bite!") The comedy lies in the abrupt interruption. While the wife indulges in lofty romantic ideals, her husband's entire attention is fixed on his fishing line. Gavarni gently mocks the differing preoccupations of married couples, suggesting that lofty emotions and everyday practicality rarely occupy the same moment. The juxtaposition of poetic reverie with the excitement of catching a fish perfectly captures the artist's gift for understated domestic humour. Condition: Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet exhibits light age toning, scattered foxing, minor handling marks, and slight edge wear consistent with age. The printed image remains crisp and well-defined throughout. 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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