Sweetheart, what is your mother's name? . . . c. 19th century

Curator: Paul Gavarni, born in 1804, made this print called "Sweetheart, what is your mother's name? . . ." sometime before he died in 1866. What do you notice first? Editor: The stark contrast, almost severe. It makes the scene feel staged, like a commentary on class. Curator: The print reveals a gentleman in dark garb questioning a child, with a woman standing behind them. The text below reveals the girl pointing out that her mother is not a Madame, but a Mademoiselle. Editor: The top hat is a key symbol of bourgeois masculinity, and the girl's apparent defensiveness speaks volumes about social anxieties of the time. Curator: Yes, it reflects the cultural obsession with marital status and its impact on social standing, especially for women. Editor: It's unsettling, this performative interaction. It makes you consider the implications for women in the 19th century. Curator: Indeed, Gavarni offers us a glimpse into the socio-political landscape through this seemingly simple interaction. Editor: A stark reminder of the expectations women faced.