Husbands Always Make Me Laugh: It's hard to believe 1852

Paul Gavarni made this lithograph titled "Husbands Always Make Me Laugh: It's hard to believe," sometime during his career as an artist in 19th-century France. Gavarni, working in a time when social satire was a popular form of commentary, offers us a glimpse into the gendered dynamics of bourgeois marriage. The artwork presents two women in conversation, their backs turned to us, inviting us to eavesdrop on their private exchange. The title hints at a critique of marital relationships, suggesting a shared understanding of husbands as figures of amusement or ridicule. One might wonder about the economic and social expectations placed on women during this time, and the strategies they developed to navigate their roles within a patriarchal society. The artist seems to be asking us to consider, as he did, the societal expectations and emotional realities that shape our relationships. In the caption, he reflects on the idea that married men, however handsome, often lack the charm found in other suitors, implying perhaps, that marriage itself can dull the spark of romance.