Madame is not in! Good Lord! ... do you have 100 sous?, p. 113 1853

Curator: This is a print by Paul Gavarni. The title, "Madame is not in! Good Lord! ... do you have 100 sous?", appears to be a snippet of dialogue. It’s part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The hatching is really incredible! It gives it such a gritty, almost desperate feel. I'm immediately drawn to the man's expression—sort of a mix of hope and resignation. Curator: Indeed, Gavarni uses line work to really emphasize the texture of the clothing and the overall mood of the piece. The composition also draws your eye directly to the interaction between the figures. Editor: It makes me wonder about their story. What’s he going to do? What is she not in for? You know? Curator: The implied narrative is very characteristic of Gavarni’s work, known for capturing Parisian life and its social complexities with a touch of satire. Editor: It is a tiny peek into a bygone drama, a stolen moment in history. I love art that leaves me wondering. Curator: Precisely, a compact visual tale woven with fine strokes.