Nocturnal with two noses . . . c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Paul Gavarni's "Nocturnal with two noses . . .", a captivating print residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: A nocturnal scene indeed! It feels heavy with the weight of sleep and perhaps a touch of shared dreams. Curator: Gavarni, born in 1804, often explored societal themes. Notice how he subtly uses the bedclothes and shadows? They signify both intimacy and the potential for suffocation. Editor: I see what you mean. There’s a quietness here, but also a feeling of being trapped. The couple seems enveloped by the night, by each other, perhaps even by societal expectations. Curator: Right. Gavarni was a master of capturing the subtle pressures within domestic life. The two noses could symbolize shared burdens, but also, two people breathing in unison, inextricably linked. Editor: It’s like a visual poem about marriage—beautiful, stifling, and utterly human. A fascinating contrast! Curator: It certainly gives you pause. I think we’ve only just scratched the surface of its depths.