Paul Gavarni, Impressions of Ménage, Plate 15, Mid-19th Century, Lithograph

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Lithograph on paper, plate 15 from the Series "Impressions de Ménage". An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, plate 15 from the Series "Impressions de Ménage". 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 is among Gavarni's finest achievements in social observation, offering perceptive and often humorous studies of bourgeois domestic life during the July Monarchy. This composition portrays a husband and wife engaged in a spirited exchange while standing outdoors. The husband, pipe in hand and dressed in rustic attire, is met with the disapproving gaze of his wife, whose assertive stance conveys both irritation and familiarity. The accompanying printed dialogue humorously centres on the husband's tobacco: "Good heavens, Fortuné! What on earth are you smoking there? It smells dreadful!" "Why, Bibie, it's the very same fine tobacco I used to bring to your father's house before we were married—and which you were so fond of!" The plate exemplifies Gavarni's gift for transforming ordinary marital disagreements into subtle social satire. Through expressive body language, elegant draughtsmanship, and understated wit, he captures the changing dynamics of courtship and marriage, illustrating how affection often gives way to everyday domestic banter. The work reflects the artist's remarkable ability to blend humour with acute psychological observation. Condition: Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet exhibits light age toning, scattered foxing, minor handling marks, and faint creasing consistent with age. Light staining is visible within the margins, but the printed image remains strong and attractive. 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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