Paul Gavarni, Impressions of Ménage, Plate 3, Mid-19th Century, Lithograph

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Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 3. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist … Read more Lithograph on paper, from the Series "Impressions de Ménage", plate 3. An original nineteenth-century lithograph by the celebrated French artist Paul Gavarni, from his renowned 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 humorous and insightful observations on the everyday realities of marriage and bourgeois domestic life in nineteenth-century France. This composition depicts a husband seated comfortably with his pipe while his wife stands before him wearing an elaborately trimmed dress. The husband delivers a sarcastic complaint about the expense of her fashionable tastes: "Ta, la, la, ta! comme si le code civil m'obligeait à t'entretenir de colifichets à si cher l'aune!\. avec ce qu'il t'en faut pour un cotillon!\. quand on a des fantaisies comme ça, Zéphirine, on ne grossit pas comme tu fais." A loose translation reads: "Oh, come now! As though the Civil Code required me to provide you with trinkets and finery that cost so much by the yard! Just think how much fabric it takes for one of your petticoats! When one has tastes like yours, Zéphirine, one oughtn't to be putting on weight as you are." The humour arises from the husband's absurd attempt to justify refusing his wife's desire for fashionable clothing by complaining that her growing figure only increases the cost of dressing her. Gavarni satirises both bourgeois concerns over household expenditure and the petty domestic quarrels that often centred on fashion, appearance, and money. His wit lies not in cruelty but in exposing the vanity and self-interest that quietly shape everyday married life. Condition: Good overall condition, with a clear, well-preserved impression. The sheet displays 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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