The Baby in Saint-Giles, from Masques et Visages 1852

Paul Gavarni created the lithograph "The Baby in Saint-Giles" as part of his series "Masques et Visages," offering a glimpse into 19th-century Parisian life. Gavarni, working in a period of significant social change, often depicted the marginalized, and this piece is no exception. Here, a woman nurses her child, her gaze averted, perhaps lost in thought, while also smoking a pipe. Gavarni's image goes beyond a simple genre scene; it touches on the complex realities of working-class women. Motherhood, sustenance, and personal habits intertwine, painting a portrait that resists sentimental stereotypes. How do we reconcile the intimate act of nurturing with the woman’s simultaneous act of smoking? Gavarni invites us to confront the multifaceted nature of her existence. The setting in Saint-Giles, a working-class district, adds another layer of meaning, emphasizing the social context of the scene. The print invites empathy and recognition of shared humanity.