Par-ci, par-là: Phèdre au Théâtre-Francais... 1857 - 1858

Paul Gavarni made this lithograph, "Par-ci, par-là: Phèdre au Théâtre-Francais...," using a greasy crayon on a flat stone. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, which democratized art in a way previously unimaginable. Look closely, and you'll see how Gavarni exploited the medium’s potential for shading and detail. The texture of the clothing, the soft rendering of the faces – all these are achieved through subtle gradations of tone. Lithography also lends itself to capturing the fleeting impressions of modern life, and this image epitomizes that. But let's think about the context: Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian society, and he was mass-producing images, that were eagerly consumed by a growing middle class, and in turn, feeding a burgeoning market for prints and illustrations. What we see in this image, is not just a scene from the theater, but a snapshot of consumer culture in action. So, the next time you look at a print, remember that it’s not just about the image, it’s about the means of production and the social forces that shaped its creation.