Say-So, Papa!, from Masques et Visages 1853

"Say-So, Papa!", from the series *Masques et Visages* (Masks and Faces) is a lithograph by French artist Paul Gavarni, created in 1853. The piece, a satirical commentary on societal norms and the bourgeois life, depicts a woman standing behind a seated man, possibly her husband, who is absorbed in reading a document. The woman’s expression suggests exasperation, while the man appears oblivious to her presence. The caption below the image reads, "Dis-done, Papa! si c'est pour la discussion du Budget que t'hs rendez-vous chez le notaire, il est midi," which translates to "Well then, Papa! If it's for the discussion of the Budget that you are going to the notary, it's noon," referencing the man's apparent disinterest in spending time with his family. Gavarni was known for his satirical and often melancholic portrayal of Parisian life, with his lithographs capturing the complexities of social interactions and the nuances of human relationships.