Les-Parents-Terribles series: Mrs. Woman is a Majesty 1852 - 1853

"Mrs. Woman is a Majesty" (1852-1853) is a lithograph by the French artist Paul Gavarni (1804-1866) that depicts a scene from his series "Les-Parents-Terribles." This work, which is a part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is an example of Gavarni's use of lithography to create a series of comical and satirical illustrations about the follies of French society. The scene depicts an elderly man with a cane, who is dressed in a thick coat and goggles, talking to a young woman with a coy expression, dressed in a white gown. The couple appears to be in the midst of a conversation, which is further emphasized by the lines in the lithograph that suggest movement. This work is a fine example of Gavarni’s skill in portraying the social satire of mid-19th century Parisian life through his masterful use of lithograph.