Masks and faces: I have been slandered 1857 - 1858

Paul Gavarni created this lithograph titled 'Masks and faces: I have been slandered,' capturing a charged moment between two figures. The woman's defensive posture and the man's tense stance evoke themes of betrayal and accusation, reflecting a common narrative of social intrigue. The motif of the mask, though not physically present, is central here. The title itself suggests hidden identities and false appearances. The man, with his back turned, is a shadowy figure. This reminds us of commedia dell’arte, where characters wear literal masks to embody stock roles. Here, the mask is psychological. Consider how these themes of deception echo through history, from ancient Greek tragedies to Shakespearean plays. The emotional tension is palpable, engaging viewers in a subconscious dance of suspicion and empathy. This interplay between visibility and concealment speaks to our inherent fascination with the hidden aspects of human nature.