Every day at the Ball! c. 19th century

Curator: This is a print by Paul Gavarni titled "Every day at the Ball!". Editor: It has such a nervous energy, doesn't it? The characters seem caught in a moment of hurried anticipation. Curator: Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian society, capturing the nuances of class and social mobility through his art. This piece reflects the fervor of the Carnival season. Editor: The masked figure, is that supposed to symbolize deception or perhaps, freedom? It's fascinating how the carnival motif allows for that ambiguity. Curator: Carnival allows a temporary suspension of social norms, blurring the lines between identity and performance, and Gavarni really brings that to light. Editor: It seems a world of hidden meanings beneath a veneer of merriment. Curator: Indeed, Gavarni invites us to reflect on the spectacle of social life and the masks we wear.