Vrouw past hoed voor de spiegel 1841

Paul Gavarni created this print titled 'Woman trying on a hat in front of the mirror'. It's part of a series called 'Les Lorettes' which explores the lives of young Parisian women. Gavarni was working during a time of significant social change in France. His work offers insights into the lives of women in 19th century Paris. The image shows two women, one dressed in a simple cap and shawl, while the other admires herself in the mirror, trying on a hat. There’s a tension here, isn’t there? The woman with the hat seems focused on appearances, perhaps aspiring to a higher social status. The other woman, dressed plainly, looks on, possibly judging, or maybe just observing the ways in which identity can be constructed. Gavarni isn't just showing us a scene; he's inviting us to reflect on the complexities of gender, class, and identity in the rapidly changing world of 19th century Paris. This image invites us to consider the personal and societal pressures that shape our choices and self-perception.