Baskische boerin 1843

Paul Gavarni made this print, titled 'Baskische boerin', using lithography. Prints such as this one, depicting a Basque peasant woman, reflect a 19th-century fascination with regional and ethnic identities. The rise of nationalism across Europe fueled an interest in defining and celebrating local cultures, often through romanticized portrayals of rural life. Gavarni, working in France, capitalized on this trend by creating images that catered to the urban population's desire for picturesque representations of the countryside. However, these depictions were not always accurate or respectful. They often reinforced stereotypes and ignored the complexities of the depicted communities. Studying such images requires us to investigate sources from the period, from travelogues to ethnographic studies. By understanding the social and institutional context in which Gavarni's print was made, we can better grasp its meaning and significance as a cultural artifact.