Potier et Brunet, Dans le duo des Anglaises pour Rire, from "Théâtre des Variétés" 1815

Editor: This is "Potier et Brunet, Dans le duo des Anglaises pour Rire, from 'Théâtre des Variétés'", a print made by Gautier in 1815. It's… striking, with its almost cartoonish depiction of these two performers in exaggerated clothing. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Well, at first glance, it’s a humorous piece. But I see it as more than just a simple caricature. It seems to engage with performative identity, playing with societal perceptions and expectations of both nationality and gender. How are these ‘Anglaises’ being presented, and what assumptions are being made, or challenged, about them? Editor: So, you think the humour is maybe a vehicle for social commentary? I mean, their costumes are obviously ridiculous, perhaps satirising English fashion as seen through French eyes. Curator: Exactly. Consider the political and social context. This print was created shortly after the Napoleonic Wars. How might the depiction of the English – and specifically English women – be shaped by that historical moment? The 'performance' here is not just on stage, but also about navigating national identity on a global stage dominated by conflict and shifting alliances. It almost asks us: who gets to define whom, and why? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn’t considered how much historical baggage a seemingly simple caricature could carry. Curator: Indeed! By viewing this work through an intersectional lens – examining the interplay of nationality, gender, and class – we reveal complex power dynamics that were at play in post-Napoleonic Europe. And, we can see echoes of those dynamics in our own contemporary culture, as well. What does 'performance' mean to you? Editor: I guess, on the stage, but maybe in life. So the performance and the clothing makes a clear signal. I never thought of this print as a conversation starter. I see that now. Thanks. Curator: You’re welcome. And remember, art is always in dialogue with its audience, across time and space.