The Baker c. 19th century

Curator: This is "The Baker" by Paul Gavarni, a lithograph in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. It renders an image of labor and perhaps the everyday life of a Parisian woman. Editor: She looks like she's seen something delightful, or maybe she’s just caught a whiff of that fresh bread! There's a delicate air about her, even if her work is likely quite strenuous. Curator: Gavarni's work often captured the social types of Paris, using the medium of lithography for mass distribution. It speaks to the rise of print culture and the commodification of images in the 19th century. Editor: The baker's dress, the way the lines suggest movement, it all points to the simple pleasures, maybe even the beauty that can be found in daily life, despite its hardships. Curator: Indeed, the image offers a glimpse into a particular social context, where labor, gender, and representation intersect. Editor: It makes you wonder about her story, doesn't it? A portrait of a hard worker with a twinkle in her eye.