Hello, My Colonel! c. 19th century

Editor: This lithograph, "Hello, My Colonel!" by Paul Gavarni, depicts a man bowing to kiss a woman's hand. It feels like a commentary on social dynamics, but I'm not sure what to make of it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Gavarni often critiqued the Parisian social scene. The Colonel's exaggerated gesture and the woman's reserved posture speak to the performance of class and gender roles. This was produced in a time when print media was becoming a powerful tool for shaping public opinion. Do you think this image reinforces or challenges those roles? Editor: It’s hard to say for sure, but it makes me think about how art reflects and influences social norms. Curator: Exactly! And how these images circulated, shaping perceptions and even behavior. This piece really highlights the public role of art.