Mister, it's not true, is it, that you don't dye your hair? c. 19th century

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni's print, "Mister, it's not true, is it, that you don't dye your hair?" It’s a simple sketch, but I find it quite witty. What can you tell me about its social context? Curator: Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian life. This piece, likely published in a journal, reflects the emerging anxieties around appearance and aging within the burgeoning middle class. Consider the implications of commenting on a man's vanity so publicly. Editor: It seems rather pointed. Was this a common theme? Curator: Yes, anxieties about maintaining appearances were frequently satirized in popular prints, highlighting the social pressures and artificiality of urban life. These prints acted as a form of social commentary and control. Editor: Fascinating. I never considered the public aspect so directly. Curator: Indeed, understanding the print's role in shaping public opinion is key to its interpretation.