"Again, Madame, whether you do or do not want to divorce, you are perfectly free" 1832

Editor: Here we have J.J. Grandville's etching, "Again, Madame, whether you do or do not want to divorce, you are perfectly free," from 1832. The sharp lines of the etching create a rather tense scene in what seems like a well-furnished home. What do you make of the details in this print? Curator: This image offers a pointed commentary on the societal structures surrounding marriage and divorce in 19th-century France. I'm drawn to the production of this piece - lithography was becoming increasingly popular, enabling the mass production of satirical imagery like this. Look at the tools available in this image. How might these methods reflect on the economic accessibility of the image and the narratives and subjects that were being depicted and discussed? Editor: So, lithography helped spread this kind of social critique more widely? It's fascinating to think about the relationship between the material process and the message. Curator: Exactly! The "domestic sphere" – seemingly luxurious given the paintings on the wall – is revealed as a site of potential conflict and negotiation, complicated further by the readily available image. Notice the discarded papers and disarray around the woman; they point to legal proceedings, contributing to the overall sense of tension, and reflecting anxieties concerning the evolving social roles of women and men. Grandville uses familiar tropes of masculinity and femininity to underscore the socio-political dimensions of marriage during this period. The setting suggests the materiality of marriage – legal documents, objects of wealth and taste. Editor: I see! So, it’s not just a snapshot of a marriage, but also about the industry *around* marriage. Curator: Precisely! And the means of production amplify its reach and impact, thus furthering conversation about social reforms. Editor: That makes me appreciate how the technique itself adds layers of meaning to the image. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, considering the impact of mass media makes one consider its cultural impact and legacy more deeply.