Are you the old guy who always comes for dinner? . . . Sir, Papa's not here. c. 19th century

Editor: This print, by Paul Gavarni, features a young boy confronting a man with the question, "Are you the old guy who always comes for dinner? Papa's not here." There's a defiance in the boy's posture that strikes me. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a pointed commentary on class and power dynamics. The "old guy" represents the bourgeoisie, perhaps exploiting familial hospitality, while the child embodies the voice of resistance. How does this image, created during a period of immense social upheaval in France, speak to the anxieties of the time regarding class divisions? Editor: I hadn't considered that. It’s like the child is questioning the accepted social order. Curator: Precisely. The image pushes us to question who is allowed access and on what terms, mirroring broader struggles for social justice. It's interesting how even seemingly simple works like this can be powerful tools for social commentary. Editor: I'll never look at a simple dinner invitation the same way. Thanks!