La goutte 1858

Paul Gavarni made this drawing called "La goutte" - meaning "the drop" - with graphite on paper. It depicts two men in a bar-like setting, likely discussing their next drink. Made in 19th century France, this work hints at the growing societal concerns around alcoholism. We see here the impact of industrialization on social life, with the rise of urban spaces and a changing working class, came the proliferation of alcohol consumption. Gavarni's drawing isn't merely a depiction of daily life; it's a commentary on a shifting social landscape. Historians delve into sources like newspapers, medical records, and temperance movement pamphlets to contextualize art like this. Understanding the social conditions of Gavarni's time enriches our appreciation, revealing the subtle yet powerful ways artists engaged with and commented on the world around them. Art always reflects the world in which it was made.