Twee modieuze mannen 1834

This print, "Twee modieuze mannen" or "Two fashionable men", was created by Paul Gavarni, though the exact date is unknown. Gavarni was a key figure in depicting Parisian life during a time of significant social change. The image captures a scene of intimate exchange, yet it raises questions about visibility and exclusion. What secrets are shared between these men, and who is privy to this exchange? The artwork hints at the codes of masculinity and the performance of social status. It reflects the era's fascination with fashion as a marker of identity and belonging, and the way in which clothing and posture signaled one’s position in society. Gavarni's work provides a glimpse into a world defined by appearances and unspoken rules. There is an emotional tension to the artwork as the viewer is kept at a distance, only able to imagine the nature of the exchange and its impact on the individuals involved.