Le billard 1858

Paul Gavarni, a keen observer of Parisian life, made this drawing, titled "Le billard," with graphite on paper. Gavarni lived through a time of significant social upheaval in France, a period marked by the rise of the bourgeoisie and evolving class dynamics. Here, Gavarni captures a slice of bourgeois leisure. The game of billiards, gaining popularity, became a symbol of middle-class sociability. The intense focus on the player’s face contrasts with the more passive demeanor of the spectator. The image hints at the performative aspects of leisure, with the player almost theatrical in his concentration. Gavarni often used his art to comment on the social mores of his time, and while seemingly a straightforward depiction of a billiard game, this drawing offers a glimpse into the values and pastimes of the 19th-century bourgeoisie. It prompts us to consider how leisure activities reflect and reinforce societal structures.