How is Madame? Thank you and yours?, p. 145 c. 19th century

Editor: So, here we have a drawing by Paul Gavarni. It's titled "How is Madame? Thank you and yours?, p. 145". It depicts two figures in masks. It has a somewhat theatrical feel to me. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The slightly awkward formality, the way they almost bow to each other while also seeming like they're about to bump noses…it makes me wonder what kind of social commentary Gavarni was aiming for. Were these characters commonly known figures? What do you think about their costumes? Editor: I guess I hadn't really thought about them as commentary! I was too caught up in the costumes. Curator: Well, art is an experience. It is a mirror we hold up to ourselves. The artist helps to focus. Editor: That's beautiful. I am glad to have learned more.