Ochtend na carnaval 1843

Paul Gavarni made this print, titled "Ochtend na carnaval," using a metal plate to transfer the image to paper. It captures a scene of revelry's aftermath. Look closely, and you'll see that Gavarni's skill as a draughtsman is apparent in the intricate network of lines that bring texture and form to life. The material—in this case, the ink—has been manipulated to evoke a sense of disarray, from the crumpled figures to the debris-strewn setting. The scene speaks volumes about social life in the 19th century. Carnival, a time of excess and inversion, is starkly contrasted with the bleary reality of the morning after. The print invites us to reflect on labor, class, and the cyclical rhythm of celebration and consequence. The discarded objects—plates, bottles—hint at mass production and consumption, integral to the rise of capitalism. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we get closer to understanding the layers of meaning embedded in Gavarni's work. It's a reminder that art is not just about aesthetics but also about the human experience and the world we inhabit.