Road Sweeper c. 19th century

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni's "Road Sweeper." He captured it in ink, I believe. The figure seems so still, almost stoic. What do you see in this piece, considering the social context of the time? Curator: Gavarni often depicted working-class Parisians. What does it mean to represent labor this way? Is it glorifying or critiquing the societal structures that necessitate such work? Consider the lack of detail, is this to strip him of individuality? Editor: So, the artist might be making a statement about the plight of the working class? Curator: Precisely. The road sweeper becomes a symbol, perhaps of unseen labor. How does this relate to contemporary discussions around labor and class? Editor: I never thought of it that way before. This has opened a whole new perspective for me! Curator: Excellent! It's about seeing the art as part of an ongoing conversation.