Au café 

Jean Béraud painted “Au café” during the late 19th century, a period of significant social change in Paris. Béraud, a chronicler of Parisian life, captures a slice of Belle Époque society, reflecting the era's shifting class dynamics and gender roles. Here, we see a woman amidst two men in a café, a space increasingly open to women yet still dominated by male social norms. Her elaborate hat and attire speak to a certain social standing, yet her presence in this setting challenges traditional expectations of women in public spaces. The men, engaged in a game, seem to occupy the space with a sense of entitlement. Béraud’s attention to detail invites us to consider the complexities of identity and social interaction. The artwork prompts us to reflect on how individuals navigate and negotiate social boundaries and how these spaces become contested grounds of identity and belonging. "Au café" remains a poignant reflection on the emotional and social complexities of Parisian life.