"Voyons! Mme Majeste..." 1853

This lithograph, "Voyons! Mme Majeste...", was made by Paul Gavarni in 19th century France. It depicts two women in conversation at what appears to be a market. Images like this one offer us a window into the everyday lives and social dynamics of 19th-century Paris. Gavarni, as a social observer, was deeply engaged with representing the realities of Parisian life, particularly the lives of working-class women. The title and the caption below hint at gossip, suggesting the complex social interactions and hierarchies within this community. The term "Mme Majeste" is being used sarcastically here, since they are women of the working class. To fully understand Gavarni's work, scholars explore the illustrated press, the rise of the flâneur, and the changing social landscape of Paris during this period. Understanding this image requires that we consider the context in which it was made and the social commentary it offers.