Men? What a thing to propose!, p. 73 1853

Editor: This is Paul Gavarni's print, "Men? What a thing to propose!", from the Harvard Art Museums' collection. The figure's posture and the phrase seem to express disillusionment. What can you tell me about the symbols or imagery at play? Curator: Note how the figure turns away, a rebuff perhaps? Consider the loose clothing and the setting—likely a bustling street implied by the blurred figures in the background. What emotions do these visual cues evoke for you? The averted gaze and the setting suggest an intentional disconnect, perhaps a commentary on societal roles or expectations. Editor: I see, so it's more than just the text, but a holistic expression through visual language. Curator: Precisely. Gavarni uses visual symbols to transmit a nuanced understanding of societal disillusionment, echoing sentiments relevant even today. Considering this print today, what new layers of interpretation emerge for you?