A man wearing a mask drinking a cup of coffee (Le Masque au Caffé), title page to "Divers Portraits" 1775

Editor: So, here we have Giovanni David's "A man wearing a mask drinking a cup of coffee," also known as "Le Masque au Caffè," from 1775. It's an engraving, and the whole thing feels… theatrical. A touch sinister, perhaps? What do you make of it? Curator: Theatrical, absolutely! It's as if David caught a fleeting moment from a masked ball, but one tinged with a knowing wink. Notice how the figure presents himself - a flourish here, a pose there - yet the mask hints at something concealed. Is it hiding secrets, perhaps boredom, or a simple indulgence in the era's love for masquerade? Editor: I hadn't thought of boredom! So it's more than just a snapshot of someone enjoying coffee. What about the surroundings? There’s a lot happening. Curator: Precisely! The setting - the cluttered shelves, the baroque chair - is a stage. Each object contributes to the narrative, adding layers of meaning, suggesting both abundance and artifice. That tagline below "Le Masque au Caffe", David is saying "Leave it be, believe me, the world as it is, is silly". I find myself wondering if the "coffee" might not simply be that thing we drink in the morning to give ourselves life, it might also refer to "to darken" something by tainting it, even if its in jest. Editor: It's like David is suggesting we're all in costume, all the time. What I really appreciate, in hindsight, is the social commentary cleverly embedded in a seemingly lighthearted scene. Curator: And isn't that the magic of art? A simple cup of coffee can hold a universe of implications! Looking closer now, I see even more texture to Giovanni David's engraving style!