Protect, Oh Lord, a Christian Virgin! c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Paul Gavarni’s print, "Protect, Oh Lord, a Christian Virgin!" The starkness of the lines really stands out. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Considering its social context, it seems to comment on the construction of femininity within a consumerist framework. The materials present – the mirror, her dress, even the paper on the floor – hint at anxieties surrounding female virtue in a rapidly changing, commodity-driven society. Editor: That’s an interesting take. So you're saying the physical items represent something bigger about society at the time? Curator: Precisely. It's not just about the woman or her faith; it's about how societal pressures shape identity through material possessions and societal expectations of the virgin women. It's a glimpse into the means of cultural production, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do now. It's fascinating how much is packed into this simple image. Curator: Indeed. The material reality speaks volumes about the intangible social structures.