Mes locataires du cintième, eux, mariés? . . . comme les hannetons c. 19th century

Curator: Paul Gavarni's lithograph, "Mes locataires du cintième, eux, mariés? . . . comme les hannetons," presents a rather peculiar gentleman in mid-gesture, or perhaps mid-rant? Editor: I'm immediately struck by the figure's expression, a mix of disbelief and, dare I say, disdain. It feels like a commentary on societal expectations, perhaps regarding marriage and class. Curator: Exactly! Gavarni was known for his satirical portrayals of Parisian life. The etching's title, which translates to "My tenants on the fifth floor, married? ... like cockchafers," suggests a critique of the perceived foolishness of marriage among the lower classes. Editor: And the "cockchafers" reference is key. It speaks to a dehumanization, reducing these individuals to mere insects driven by instinct rather than true love or compatibility. It's cutting. Curator: I read a bit of melancholic humor in it. He sees the societal pressures. Perhaps he even feels them himself. Editor: It's a complex piece, then, both critical and perhaps tinged with a shared sense of confinement. A fascinating, if cynical, snapshot of 19th-century Parisian social dynamics.