Masks and faces 1857 - 1858

This is an undated lithograph called 'Masks and Faces' by Paul Gavarni. Gavarni was a 19th-century French artist known for his satirical and social observations. This image depicts two men, one older and formally dressed, the other younger and more disheveled. The title suggests a commentary on social roles and appearances. The older man, with his composed expression, may represent established authority or the bourgeoisie. The younger man, with his unkempt hair and weary expression, could represent the working class. Gavarni's work often appeared in illustrated journals, reflecting the growing public sphere in France at the time. His art provided a critique of social norms, class distinctions, and the changing urban landscape of Paris. To understand Gavarni's world, we might look to sources such as newspapers, fashion plates, and social commentaries. Art history, at its best, reveals the complex interplay between art and society.