The Monday c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Paul Gavarni's "The Monday", an undated lithograph at the Harvard Art Museums. He seems a bit forlorn, standing there with the suggestion of a landscape behind him. What can you tell me about what's going on here? Curator: Notice how Gavarni uses the figure's posture—hands on hips, head slightly bowed. This stance, repeated across centuries, often signals weariness or defiance. Consider the inscription: "Jour de friture…" – "Day of fried food…" It hints at a specific cultural ritual, perhaps a Monday indulgence after a weekend. How does that change your perception of his posture? Editor: So, it's not just sadness, but maybe a humorous commentary on overindulgence? I didn't catch that at first. Curator: Precisely. It's about linking visual cues with cultural context. Images carry layers of meaning that shift over time. Now, consider the modern resonance of "Monday" and what it means to people today. Editor: That's fascinating! I’ll never look at Mondays the same way again. Curator: Nor will I. Each viewing reveals something new about cultural memory.