Twee vrouwen in avondkleding 1842

This print, "Two Women in Evening Dress," was created by Paul Gavarni, a 19th-century artist deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Paris. Gavarni's lithographs often captured the nuances of Parisian life. Here, we see two women, seemingly caught in a moment of reflection or perhaps anticipation. Their attire suggests a world of balls and social engagements, yet their expressions hint at something more complex. During this era, women's identities were largely defined by their social roles, their appearances meticulously crafted to meet societal expectations. Gavarni subtly hints at the tension between these external demands and the inner lives of these women. Did these women find autonomy within the confines of their social sphere, or were they constrained by it? It's a question Gavarni poses, inviting us to consider the intricate dance between identity and societal expectations.