The Restaurant of the Great Art Exhibition: A symbiotic love for the arts and the cutlet Possibly 1868 - 1920

Etienne Carjat created this print, "The Restaurant of the Great Art Exhibition: A symbiotic love for the arts and the cutlet," using graphite, pen and black ink with stumping on cream laid paper. Carjat, a man of the 19th century, straddled many worlds as a journalist, caricaturist, photographer, and writer. In this image, he shows us a snapshot of Parisian society, likely during the annual Salon. The scene hints at the intersection of art, commerce, and social life in a rapidly changing urban environment. It suggests the role of art exhibitions as social gathering places, where one could observe the manners and mores of the bourgeoisie. The woman’s elaborate hairstyle speaks volumes about the era's expectations of feminine presentation. Yet, there is something about the way she sits, slightly turned away, that hints at a certain detachment. Meanwhile, the man, focused intently on his meal, seems oblivious to the artistic surroundings. This contrast invites reflection on gender roles, class, and individual experience within the bustling art world. Ultimately, Carjat's image captures a fleeting moment, inviting us to consider the personal narratives that unfold within the grand theater of art and society.