Vous Avez Ri 1899

This lithograph, Vous Avez Ri, was created by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen as a promotional poster for a song. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Montmartre, we see a performance of gender roles in a Parisian interior. The title, translating to "You Laughed," hints at a narrative of vulnerability and derision. Steinlen was known for capturing the lives of the working class and marginalized, and here, the figures represent a tension between social expectation and personal experience. Notice how the woman, possibly a performer, stands confidently, almost defiant. Meanwhile, the man is turned away, his posture suggesting shame. Is their separation caused by the laughter of the audience? The lyrics by Germain Lux and music by Paul Delmet explore themes of public judgment and private pain, reflecting the era's complex social dynamics. The composition invites us to consider how public perception can influence personal identity and relationships.