Gin, p. 137 1853

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni's "Gin, p. 137", a small print held at the Harvard Art Museums. The figures look downcast. What symbols stand out to you in this work? Curator: Note how clothing signifies class, even in disrepair. Their hats, rendered with somber strokes, were once symbols of status, now hinting at faded aspirations. The gin itself, though unseen, is a potent symbol, representing escape and oblivion. What continuities do you see between this image and contemporary depictions of poverty? Editor: I see a reflection of how society often overlooks the humanity within these struggles. Curator: Exactly. Gavarni's work serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting timeless themes of social inequality.