Twee jongemannen rusten uit onder een boom 1840

Paul Gavarni made this print, "Two Young Men Resting Under a Tree," sometime in the mid-19th century. Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian life, and his work often reflects the social dynamics of his time. This image captures a moment of leisure, yet it invites us to consider the complexities of identity and social class. The two men, seemingly taking a break in a rural setting, are dressed in a way that hints at their urban lives. One man reclines, eyes closed, while the other sits upright, smoking a pipe. Are they escaping the city, or merely taking a momentary pause from it? The accompanying text adds another layer. It speaks of differences between shepherds and city dwellers, questioning who can dance without women. This raises questions about gender roles, social mobility, and the construction of leisure. Gavarni's print encourages us to reflect on the intersections of class, gender, and urban life, inviting us to consider whose stories are being told, and whose are being left out.