Is it true, Mr. d'Alby, that you split pennies? c. 19th century

Curator: This is a lithograph by Paul Gavarni titled, "Is it true, Mr. d'Alby, that you split pennies?". Editor: The overall impression is melancholic; there's a tenderness, yet it hints at something strained, almost absurd in its intimacy. Curator: Note the artist's adept use of line. It creates a visual economy that still conveys a wealth of psychological information about the sitters. Editor: Absolutely. The sharp lines give a real sense of the textures of clothing and convey the figures’ emotional states, so present and yet elusive. Curator: It is difficult to say much about the artwork's date; however, the composition draws upon conventions in portraiture, whilst subverting them. Editor: A fascinating balance of formal precision and raw emotion. It gives you a lot to contemplate, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. It prompts a deeper reflection on the nuances of human connection and its representation in art.