Don't make a mistake, young man! The taffeta goes to my house. -And the velvet for Magdalen. c. 19th century

Editor: This is a lithograph by Paul Gavarni. The title is “Don't make a mistake, young man! The taffeta goes to my house. -And the velvet for Magdalen.” The figures and setting look like they’re from the 19th century. What's your take on the interaction portrayed here? Curator: It’s a commentary on social hierarchy and the power dynamics of the time. Gavarni often satirized Parisian society. The older gentleman’s assertive tone and possession of the fabric suggests control, perhaps over the younger man's employment or even his personal life. Note how the fabrics themselves become symbols of status and ownership. Editor: So, it’s not just about fabrics, but also about control and influence? Curator: Precisely. Gavarni used everyday scenes to expose underlying social tensions and class distinctions prevalent in 19th-century France. He makes us question who benefits from these social structures. Editor: I hadn't considered the fabrics as symbols, that adds a new layer of meaning!