Arm meisje tussen wasgoed op een trap 1833 - 1834

Paul Gavarni’s 1833-34 lithograph, “Arm meisje tussen wasgoed op een trap,” (Poor Girl Among Laundry on Stairs) depicts a young woman seated on a staircase, a bucket at her feet. The work, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a striking example of Gavarni's social commentary and realist style. He was known for his depictions of Parisian life, often focusing on the plight of the less fortunate. The woman’s somber expression and simple attire suggest her poverty, and the setting, with laundry hanging overhead, further emphasizes her precarious circumstances. This poignant image exemplifies Gavarni’s ability to capture the raw emotion and hardship faced by those living in poverty, making it a powerful social commentary and a testament to his skill as a lithographer.