Man with Broom c. 19th century

This lithograph, made by Paul Gavarni in 19th century France, offers a glimpse into the lives of working-class Parisians. Gavarni made his name satirizing Parisian society. Here he extends his gaze to those who did not partake in its glamour. The figure, dressed in layered, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, stands with a worn broom. The clothing obscures the figure’s gender, challenging conventional representations. In 19th century Paris, street sweeping was a job largely done by women. The artist seems less interested in portraying a specific person and more focused on the conditions and realities of this type of work. The caption reads, “She doesn’t hate a drop of anything.” This hints at the character’s possible reliance on alcohol to cope with the hardships of poverty and labor. The print invites reflection on the intersections of labor, class, and gender. It prompts us to consider the lives of those often unseen, those who maintained the city's cleanliness while remaining on its margins.