I'm such a little thing! I'm really a nothing! I'm a street urchin! ... But I'm not a Grocer., p. 33 c. 19th century

Curator: Gavarni's lithograph presents a snapshot of urban life, showcasing two figures in conversation. I find the starkness of the lines quite compelling. What's your initial take? Editor: It strikes me as a commentary on class and identity. The text below seems to be a performative denial of being a grocer, a rejection of a certain social standing. Curator: Exactly. Gavarni, working in 19th-century France, frequently depicted the lives of the working class. Here, he likely used lithography for its accessibility, allowing for broader distribution and engagement with social issues. Editor: It's a window into a society grappling with its own hierarchies. This interaction highlights the complex negotiation of self-worth amidst economic disparity. The clothing, the posture, it all contributes to a rich narrative. Curator: Indeed. Studying Gavarni's use of this medium and subject matter provides insight into the material conditions and social dynamics of his time. Editor: Ultimately, it's a reminder that even in art, what we choose to define ourselves against reveals so much about the society we inhabit. Curator: Precisely, a valuable insight indeed.