If you touch that bottle of muscadine wine again . . . c. 19th century

Curator: Here we see a lithograph by Paul Gavarni, titled "If you touch that bottle of muscadine wine again . . .". It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a captured moment – domestic, perhaps a little tense. The stark contrast emphasizes the subjects' expressions. Curator: Gavarni often depicted scenes of everyday life in Paris. This piece could reflect the socio-economic struggles of the time. Notice the clothing and the sparse interior. Editor: Yes, and the power dynamic. The woman standing, likely a mother or caregiver, looms over the seated girl, hinting at social expectations of women. Curator: Exactly. Gavarni used his art to comment on the social mores and class dynamics that he observed. Editor: Making it still relevant today, as power and social class continue to shape our experience. Curator: Indeed. A slice of life captured through a critical lens. Editor: A reminder that these issues aren't just historical artifacts.