Masks and faces: Oh, je aimez le vin de France trais bocoap 1857 - 1858

This drawing, by Paul Gavarni, presents a figure casually leaning, embodying a certain nonchalance that was fashionable in its time. Note the loosely tied neckcloth and open jacket, symbols of a relaxed, almost theatrical, self-presentation. This connects to the Commedia dell'arte tradition, where costume was crucial in defining character. Think of the harlequin, whose attire signaled his mischievous nature. Gavarni's figure, with his deliberately disheveled appearance, evokes a similar sense of playful rebellion against social norms. Consider, too, the gesture of leaning, found across millennia, from classical sculpture to Renaissance portraiture, each time imbued with a slightly different shade of meaning. Here, it suggests a modern, urban ennui. This visual motif is not static but is rather a cultural signifier that evolves, reflecting the changing emotional landscapes of society.