Vrouw in feestjurk 1814 - 1866

This is "Vrouw in feestjurk" by Paul Gavarni, made with lithography. Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian life during the 19th century, a time of immense social change and growing class consciousness. Here, we see a woman adorned in a festive dress. The dress itself, with its elaborate trim and full skirt, speaks to the fashion of the time, yet there's also a sense of unease. The woman's gaze is averted, her posture somewhat withdrawn. What is she thinking? Does she feel empowered or constrained by the expectations placed upon her? It's interesting to consider the emotional and societal complexities that Gavarni captures in this image. "Suzanne" is a window into the negotiations of identity and the unspoken narratives that shape our understanding of gender and class in 19th century Paris.