Why deprive oneself of the superfluous . . . c. 19th century

Curator: Paul Gavarni's drawing, "Why deprive oneself of the superfluous...", presents us with a dandy putting on his boots. Editor: My first impression is one of early morning struggles, perhaps? There’s a hint of satire in the air, a commentary on vanity. Curator: Absolutely, the context is crucial. Gavarni captured the burgeoning consumer culture in Paris; the rise of fashion and its impact on social identity. Editor: Note the tools of the trade scattered around—the bootjack, the brush. These are not just items; they’re symbols of labor, even in the pursuit of leisure. Curator: And consider that the phrase in the title ends with the comparison "as a woman who rents one or two opera boxes." Editor: Ah! So there's a sharp critique of materialism and social climbing embedded in this seemingly simple scene. It still resonates today. Curator: Indeed. Gavarni makes us consider what we consider "necessary" versus what society tells us we need. Editor: The materiality of class laid bare in a drawing, clever!