Latière c. 19th century

Curator: This is Paul Gavarni’s lithograph, "Latière", from the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. The soft hatching gives it a pensive mood, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, there's a vulnerability there, an almost wistful quality created by the subtle shading of her face and clothes. But look closer, it’s also about class, right? "Latière," or milkmaid, in a city dress. Curator: Precisely! Gavarni was known for capturing the types of Parisian society, the way her garments hang says so much about her place. Her dress is too large and lacks adornment or detail. Editor: Absolutely. Gavarni is commenting on the social stratification of 19th-century Paris. This is not just a portrait; it's a document of identity. The milkmaid in ‘city dress’ highlights the tension between rural labor and urban aspiration. Curator: Notice how the composition directs our gaze—the contrast between her solid form and the sketchier background. Editor: I agree, the contrast is stark and purposeful. Curator: It's a study in contrasts, visually and socially. Editor: Indeed, a potent commentary captured through line and form.