La réussite 1858

Paul Gavarni made this lithograph, "La réussite," which translates to "The Success," sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts an elderly man playing cards, observed by a young woman. But what kind of success is being alluded to here? Gavarni was working in a France caught between tradition and modernity. The image offers a glimpse into the social fabric of 19th-century France. The man's intense focus contrasts with the woman’s placid gaze. Is this a scene of leisure, or does it hint at the economic pressures of the time? The presence of a woman observing the game might suggest the role of women in a society where gambling was often a male domain. To fully grasp Gavarni’s intent, we can turn to periodicals, social commentaries, and even gambling regulations of the time. By delving into these resources, we can begin to unravel the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple scene. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.