Not a Coquette, p. 69 1853

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni's "Not a Coquette, p. 69," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It appears to be a lithograph or etching. The figure seems burdened, yet there's a quiet dignity. What kind of social commentary was Gavarni making here? Curator: Gavarni frequently depicted Parisian life, particularly the working class. The title "Not a Coquette" is ironic, suggesting a rejection of superficiality. How might this image challenge the conventional portrayals of women in art during that era? Editor: So, he’s subverting expectations about women's roles and appearances? Curator: Precisely. He uses the print to highlight the realities of labor and perhaps critique the societal pressures placed on women. The image becomes a political statement within the broader context of 19th-century French society. Editor: I see. It’s fascinating how a simple image can carry such weight. Curator: Indeed. Art often acts as a mirror, reflecting and shaping our understanding of the world.