Do you know that charming person? Perfectly: she is the wife of two of my friends., p. 95 1852

Curator: This image by Paul Gavarni, whose dates are 1804 to 1866, is held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s an intimate glimpse into Parisian social dynamics. Editor: I’m immediately struck by the composition! The contrast between the sharply defined figures and the sketchier background creates a sense of theatricality. Curator: Gavarni used his art to critique the social mores of his time. The inscription below the image suggests a cynical view on marriage. Editor: Yes, the very title—"Do you know that charming person? Perfectly: she is the wife of two of my friends."—speaks volumes about the state of relationships. The men's attire adds to the narrative. Curator: Indeed. The men's hats signify their middle-class status, highlighting how societal expectations can lead to complicated personal lives. The artist used irony. Editor: Irony conveyed with such subtlety, purely through line and form. I find it rather powerful, don't you? Curator: Absolutely. It reveals the tensions beneath the surface of Parisian life. I appreciate the social commentary. Editor: And I, the elegant economy of Gavarni's means. It speaks to the power of suggestion, really.