I forbid there to be any moustaches here ... under any pretext!, p. 12 1853

Curator: Take a look at this print by Paul Gavarni, a lithograph titled "I forbid there to be any moustaches here... under any pretext!". Editor: The stark contrast immediately draws the eye—a stern figure looming over a younger one, a silent battle unfolding in the cross-hatching. Curator: Gavarni was known for capturing the nuances of Parisian life; this piece speaks volumes about societal expectations and generational conflict. The material itself, lithographic ink on paper, allowed for mass production, distributing this commentary widely. Editor: Absolutely. The formal composition—the older man's imposing size versus the youthful figure's defiant stance—creates a visual power dynamic. The artist has deftly used line to convey character and tension. Curator: And think about what moustaches represented then: masculinity, maturity, perhaps even rebellion. Gavarni is engaging with contemporary debates about identity, class, and changing social norms. Editor: It’s striking how such a simple image can evoke such complex ideas, still relevant today. Curator: Indeed, this lithograph provides great insight into the social landscape of its time.