Upon receipt of this letter . . . c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Upon receipt of this letter . . ." by Paul Gavarni, from about the mid-19th century. It looks like a lithograph. The figure seems really dejected. What can you tell me about the context of this image? Curator: Gavarni was known for depicting Parisian life, often satirizing social mores. This image reflects the anxieties and complexities of urban existence. Notice the letter, the crumpled paper – what social narratives do these visual elements suggest to you? Editor: Maybe something about broken promises or scandal? The discarded letter made into a child's toy hints at some disruption. Curator: Precisely. Gavarni used prints to reach a wide audience. The political implications of social commentary circulated more freely because of them. Editor: So it’s not just a sad portrait, but a commentary on social issues, made accessible through printmaking. Thanks! Curator: Yes, the piece reflects and shapes public opinion. It is interesting how the artist chose this scene to show this.