Really, in your position . . . c. 19th century

Editor: This print by Paul Gavarni, titled "Really, in your position . . .," presents an intimate scene. The cross-hatching feels very intentional, adding to the seriousness of the subject. How would you interpret Gavarni's artistic choices? Curator: The lithographic process itself is key here. It allows for mass production, bringing social commentary to a wider audience. Gavarni is using a commercial medium to critique bourgeois life, examining the labor involved in image making and distribution. The print becomes a commodity, reflecting the very society it scrutinizes. Editor: So, the means of production are essential to its meaning? Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print, its accessibility, and the social context of its creation all contribute to a richer understanding of Gavarni's intent. This challenges any romantic notion of artistic genius, refocusing our attention on the work and its circulation. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way; it gives me a lot to consider.