Aristocratie Financiere 1829

Curator: This is Henri Bonaventure Monnier’s "Aristocratie Financiere", held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the rhythmic, almost caricatured repetition of figures. Curator: Monnier was deeply invested in representing the social dynamics of his time, particularly the bourgeoisie. This print satirizes the financial aristocracy. Editor: Notice how the artist uses line and form to suggest both uniformity and subtle distinctions among the figures. The contrast is striking. Curator: It serves as a social commentary, spotlighting the values and behaviors of this emergent class during a period of significant societal change. Editor: There is a real sense of movement in the way they are portrayed. The artist is capturing the fleeting moment of a social encounter. Thank you for the insight. Curator: Indeed. It’s a potent blend of social observation and artistic expression.