Man kijkt naar staande vrouw met dichte ogen 1827 - 1829

This print, "Man Looks at Standing Woman with Closed Eyes" is by Charles Philipon, made sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Philipon was a French caricaturist, known for his satirical take on French society during the July Monarchy and the Second Republic. This image reflects the social dynamics and gender roles of 19th-century France, where fashion and social appearances were highly scrutinized. The woman in the print is dressed in elaborate clothing, yet her closed eyes could symbolize a disconnection from her surroundings, or perhaps a form of passive resistance against the male gaze. The man’s exaggerated gesture and facial expression suggest a critique of male vanity and social posturing. The print invites viewers to question the roles that individuals play in social interactions. The title, along with the imagery, suggests a narrative about perception, class, and perhaps even the absurdity of social conventions. It encourages us to consider how appearances can be deceiving, and the complex ways in which we perform our identities in public.