No, Nini, I can't go to the Opera ball tonight. . . c. 19th century

Curator: This is a print by Paul Gavarni, and it is titled "No, Nini, I can't go to the Opera ball tonight…" It really encapsulates certain social dynamics of its time. Editor: Ooh, drama! I feel it in my bones. She's all arms crossed, dramatic eye roll—and he's just sitting there, totally absorbed. The hat plopped down like an afterthought? Delicious. Curator: It speaks to gendered expectations, doesn't it? He seems to have the privilege to disengage, while she is clearly constrained by social obligation and perhaps economic dependency. Editor: Right? Trapped in that giant dress, waiting for Prince Charming who’s too busy checking his… whatever it is he's looking at. Classic. Curator: Gavarni was known for satirizing Parisian life. This particular image highlights the power imbalances inherent in relationships and societal roles. Editor: Well, bravo to Gavarni. I see it, I feel it, and I'm ready to burn my own opera ball gown. Curator: Exactly! It's a historical snapshot that still resonates today, prompting us to question those power structures. Editor: Absolutely, a great piece to meditate on how far we've come, and how much further we still need to go.