Chap. IX: Jasmin!...elle avait l'air si ingénu!! (Jasmine gave the impression of being an ingenue!) 1824

Victor Adam created this lithograph, sometime in the first half of the 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in French society, culture and the production of art. Here we see a well-to-do gentleman reclining in a chair, attended by a younger man, possibly a servant or junior officer given his uniform. The print’s title suggests a narrative context, hinting at themes of naiveté and perhaps social maneuvering. The setting, with its domestic comforts and leisurely atmosphere, speaks to the privileges of the upper class. France at this time was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization alongside lingering aristocratic traditions. Adam’s print can be understood as a commentary on these social dynamics, capturing the nuances of class, gender and power within its seemingly simple scene. To fully appreciate Adam’s work, scholars might explore popular literature of the period, social etiquette manuals, and visual culture archives. It's through this interdisciplinary lens that we can unpack the complex meanings embedded in this image, revealing insights into the social fabric of 19th-century France.