Fortuned, my God! . . . c. 19th century

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni’s lithograph, "Fortuned, my God! . . .". The scene depicts a tense exchange between a man and a woman. What strikes me is the dynamic – she seems accusatory, while he appears sheepish. How do you interpret this interaction? Curator: Considering the title and Gavarni's history of social commentary, I view this as a critique of marital power dynamics and class expectations in 19th-century France. The woman's posture suggests agency, perhaps challenging the man's perceived dominance through tobacco use, an act often associated with male privilege. What does the text below the image suggest to you? Editor: It seems to be a quote, referencing good tobacco used before their marriage. Maybe it speaks to shifting roles and expectations after marriage? Curator: Precisely. It encourages us to consider how societal norms, particularly around gender and class, shape individual experiences within marriage. This piece sparks a discussion about agency, expectations, and the complexities of relationships within specific social contexts.