Twee studenten wandelen over straat 1840

This print, "Twee studenten wandelen over straat" by Paul Gavarni, presents us with an intriguing study in contrasts and social commentary. The work is primarily structured through line and form, creating a composition that draws the eye to the figures of the two students. Gavarni employs a semiotic system through the students' attire and demeanour, signaling their roles and status within Parisian society. The contrast between the figures—one dapper and self-assured, the other more disheveled—speaks to the diverse experiences and aspirations of students in Paris. The background, rendered with swift, suggestive lines, serves to contextualize the figures within a recognisable urban setting. Gavarni’s subtle critique of social structures within the frame, reflects broader questions about identity and representation. Gavarni challenges the fixed meanings of class and success, inviting us to reconsider the values that define Parisian society.