Twee vrouwen spreken elkaar in een portiek tijdens de schoonmaak 1843

Paul Gavarni created this print, "Two women talking to each other in a doorway during cleaning," sometime in the 19th century. Gavarni was a keen observer of Parisian life, and his work offers a window into the social dynamics of the time. Here, we see two women, likely working-class, engaged in conversation amidst their cleaning duties. There's an intimacy to the scene, yet the women also seem burdened by their daily grind. The print invites us to consider the lives of these women, whose labor often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. The inscription below the image makes reference to the price of rent, a calico dress, and stockings. The text suggests the women's talk centers on the economic hardships they face as they compare men and their behavior. Gavarni's work captures a moment of solidarity and shared experience. It underscores the importance of recognizing the dignity and resilience of those whose stories are often marginalized.