Sigh! And I really liked lobster!, p. 87 1853

Editor: This print, "Sigh! And I really liked lobster!" by Paul Gavarni, presents a poignant scene. The title suggests a story, and the figures seem burdened. How do you interpret the social commentary embedded in this work? Curator: Gavarni often depicted Parisian life, particularly the struggles of the working class. Consider the title – the lobster becomes a symbol of fleeting luxury, lost perhaps due to economic hardship. How does the artist use visual cues to convey this disparity? Editor: The drab setting and the women's weary postures certainly underscore their circumstances. It makes me wonder about the role of art in revealing these hidden lives. Curator: Precisely. Gavarni’s work offered a glimpse into a segment of society often ignored by mainstream art, prompting viewers to reflect on social inequalities and the human cost of economic disparity. It served as a form of visual journalism. Editor: That's fascinating. It's a powerful reminder of art's capacity to expose and critique social realities. Curator: Indeed, it shows us how art can shape public perception.