Pythagoras said: . . . c. 19th century

Curator: This is a piece by Paul Gavarni, the French artist, called "Pythagoras said..." It’s a lithograph—so all those sharp lines and nuanced shadows are the product of meticulous drawing on stone. Editor: It feels like a stage—two figures poised in an intense conversation. There's also a dog, kind of a silent observer, which is always a nice touch. Curator: The figures almost seem trapped within the frame. It's like they're performing for us, or perhaps trapped in a dialogue of their own making. Editor: You can sense a story bubbling underneath. Gavarni's use of line really directs your eye—from the dog to the table, and then zigzagging between the figures. Curator: The inscription below the illustration adds another layer, hinting at a philosophical or perhaps satirical commentary on independence, love, and happiness. It’s a puzzle box of sorts. Editor: It feels both intimate and distant at the same time—a fleeting moment captured with precision and a touch of irony. I like that tension.