Riders and Equipage n.d.

Constantin Guys made this expressive ink wash drawing, Riders and Equipage, sometime in the mid-19th century. Guys was a keen observer of Parisian life, and this drawing offers us a glimpse into the city's social hierarchy and its obsession with appearances. The image is composed of quick, fluid lines that capture the energy of a bustling street scene. The figures are well-dressed bourgeois, mounted on horseback or riding in carriages. The artist is interested in the display of wealth and status. Guys made many such sketches for the illustrated press, at a time when images of current events were in high demand. The popularity of such images also speaks to a growing culture of celebrity, in which the lives and fashions of the upper classes were of great interest to the broader public. To understand this fully, we might consult contemporary newspapers, fashion plates, and social commentaries. By placing art within its historical context, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.