Paul Gavarni, Impressions of Ménage, Plate 23, Mid-19th Century, Lithograph

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Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 23. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 23. 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 examines the customs, contradictions, and social rituals of bourgeois marriage through scenes of everyday life. This plate depicts a fashionable Parisian couple strolling arm in arm along a riverside promenade, the gentleman in formal dress and top hat escorting his elegantly dressed companion. Beneath the image appears the exchange: "Ah! bien, Beauminet, n'allons pas dîner là, on est trop mal." "Dédèle, c'est meilleur marché; nous ne sommes que nous!" ("Ah, Beauminet, let's not dine there—we're too poorly dressed." "Dédèle, it's cheaper there; we'll only be among ourselves!") The humour lies in the couple's concern with social appearances. While the woman worries that the establishment is beneath their status, the husband pragmatically argues that its lower prices outweigh any concern for prestige, reassuring her that they will only be among people like themselves. Gavarni gently mocks the pretensions, financial compromises, and quiet negotiations that often characterised middle-class domestic life in nineteenth-century Paris. Executed with Gavarni's characteristic economy of line and subtle lithographic shading, the composition captures both the elegance of contemporary fashion and the psychological interplay between husband and wife. The expansive cityscape beyond the parapet provides a recognisably Parisian setting while reinforcing the themes of urban sophistication and social aspiration. Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet exhibits light age toning, scattered foxing, minor handling marks, and light 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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