Declaration of war c. 19th century

Curator: This is Paul Gavarni's lithograph, "Declaration of War," now residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. I find the title quite striking, almost theatrical. Editor: It does feel heavy with drama, doesn't it? The way the woman on the left is standing, arms crossed, shadowed face… I immediately imagine a tense, whispered confrontation. Curator: Gavarni was known for capturing the nuances of social life in 19th-century Paris, and this piece certainly delves into gendered power dynamics. One can see how lithography allowed for a mass production of imagery, contributing to the visual culture of the time. Editor: Yes, and you can almost feel the textures, the weight of the fabric in their clothes. The artist really harnessed the tonal possibilities of the printmaking process. It's quite affecting, isn’t it? Curator: Indeed. Gavarni cleverly uses the medium to heighten the emotional tension. Editor: Absolutely. It leaves you wondering about the story behind that standoff. A potent little drama printed on paper.