Toqués 1858

Curator: Here we have "Toqués," a lithograph with pastel accents made in 1858 by Paul Gavarni. It resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: Oh, my! It's melancholy mixed with...mischief, perhaps? The butterflies certainly soften the skull’s inherent morbidity, lending it a delicate, ethereal quality. I'm really drawn in by the portrait style; is it intended to carry a message or symbolic expression? Curator: The figure's deliberate pose and her serene gaze directly challenge conventional vanitas themes which historically emphasized death's inevitability and life's ephemerality to drive home religious piety. We can certainly appreciate this lithograph through feminist lenses that examine how the romantic-era female figures navigate cultural norms regarding femininity and mortality. The gaze she directs is her active declaration and power over the narrative itself. Editor: Yes, exactly! A power ballad in monochrome! It's like she's saying, "Death? Please! It's just another accessory!" Do you get that feeling or am I being too bold with that view? I just love how Gavarni layers that morbidity with something beautiful, playful even. Curator: No, not at all! I find your interpretation quite compelling. Considering Gavarni's historical positioning during a period of burgeoning social change in France, one can argue his artistic choices might subtly critique traditional societal roles imposed upon women. The romantic gown she’s draped in hints at societal expectations of feminine attire, whereas the skull and her ownership over it represent women grasping philosophical ideals. Editor: Almost like taking back what was always theirs! See, this piece invites conversations about identity, representation, and the multifaceted layers of being. Gavarni managed to blend what might have been and what could be, right here, in a drawing. It feels empowering, honestly. Curator: Precisely. And ultimately, "Toqués" invites us to consider not just our mortality, but how we engage with our own power in the face of life’s inevitable end. Editor: It makes one think doesn’t it, and for that reason alone, it is truly a marvel to witness! I'm forever enchanted!