Masks and faces: Have you done? 1857 - 1858

Paul Gavarni made this lithograph called 'Masks and faces: Have you done?' at some point during his career in nineteenth-century France. The drawing shows a man embracing a young woman. The title hints at the wider social and cultural context, and the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Nineteenth-century France experienced significant social changes, including industrialization, urbanization, and shifting class structures. Gavarni's drawing likely reflects the social dynamics of his time, possibly commenting on relationships between different social classes or the changing roles of women. The title suggests themes of deception, social performance, and the complexities of human interaction within a rapidly changing society. It could critique the social structures of its time, prompting viewers to question the masks people wear and the roles they play. The interpretation of art is contingent on social and institutional context. In researching this image, we might consult historical documents, literary sources, and critical analyses of Gavarni's work to understand its broader significance.