Les Invalides du Sentiment: - "On m'a pourtant, ma chère, Surnommé le trompeur!" 1853

This lithograph, made by Paul Gavarni, depicts an old man in a state of emotional or psychological distress. He leans heavily on a walking stick, which is more than a mere support; it is a symbol of burden and frailty. The downward gaze is heavy with regret. The figure echoes the archetype of the melancholic wanderer, a figure seen throughout art history. One finds a similar motif in depictions of the biblical Cain, forever marked and burdened. This posture, the bent head, is not just physical; it's an outward manifestation of inner turmoil. In ancient Roman art, defeated figures are often depicted with bowed heads to convey shame and submission. The emotional weight of the image is inescapable. Gavarni captures a moment of introspection and despair. The archetype of the wanderer persists, resurfacing in various forms, each iteration colored by its specific time, yet united by a common thread of human suffering.