Ruined Armator Morrel in Marseille in 1829 1846

Paul Gavarni drew this image of a ruined shipowner in Marseille in 1829. In the wake of the Napoleonic Wars, Marseille was in flux, facing economic instability. Gavarni's work gives us a glimpse into the social and economic anxieties of the time. The image captures a man in distress, his posture suggesting defeat, and a far cry from the archetypal successful merchant. Marseille was a vital port, and maritime trade was central to its economy. The figure's disheveled appearance reflects the precarity faced by the merchant class. This poignant portrayal reminds us that economic shifts impact individuals, and that art serves as a historical witness to these transformations. By examining records from the Chamber of Commerce and other institutions, we can deepen our understanding of this artwork and its cultural implications.