Ernest garçon de réstaurant 1902 - 1911

Editor: Here we have Jean Émile Laboureur's "Ernest garçon de restaurant," a striking print. It's so graphic! What does this image tell us about the role of the service industry in its time? Curator: The stark contrast and bold outlines certainly capture a moment of Parisian life. Consider the context: could this be read as a commentary on class? How does the waiter’s stoic face reflect the societal expectations of service and labor? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way! It makes you wonder about the stories behind the people in the background too. Curator: Precisely. The image isn't just about depicting a scene, but about prompting us to consider the power dynamics at play within it, and how art makes it visible. Editor: I'll definitely look at art with new eyes from now on. Thanks!