Goodbye 1827

Auguste Raffet created this print called 'Goodbye' in France in the 19th century, using lithography. It depicts a somber scene, seemingly within a wealthy household, centered around a mother bidding farewell to her child, perhaps at her deathbed. The image's meaning is constructed through various visual and cultural cues. The setting suggests a stark commentary on the social structures of its time. The opulence contrasts sharply with the intimate moment of loss, highlighting the class divisions that existed. Notice the inclusion of servants and the family dog. These domestic details would have resonated with viewers familiar with the era's social hierarchy and the emotional dynamics within families of means. The print provides a glimpse into the social norms and emotional landscape of 19th-century France. Historians often consult period literature, social commentaries, and demographic records to fully grasp the conditions that shaped such works. Attending to such institutional contexts reveals how art captures and reflects its specific cultural moment.