Glaces du jour 

Editor: So, this painting is called "Glaces du jour" by Victor Gabriel Gilbert. It seems to be an oil painting, possibly from the late 19th century. I am struck by the carefree mood that reminds me of summers spent playing outside. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It’s interesting you pick up on the "carefree mood." Let's consider the historical context. The painting depicts two young girls enjoying ice cream in what appears to be a public park in Paris. Now, what does the presence of these children in a carefully maintained public space suggest about the role of public life in late 19th-century French society? Editor: Hmm, maybe it reflects an increasing emphasis on childhood and leisure time for certain classes. Curator: Precisely. The painting subtly acknowledges class divisions too. Consider their clothing, and the availability of "glaces"—ice cream was becoming more accessible but certainly not ubiquitous for all Parisians. What kind of values might paintings like this reflect or promote about childhood, consumerism and access to public resources? Editor: It kind of feels like it's celebrating a new, more open and child-friendly vision of the city. However, like you said, access might be a little restricted. The city, especially in artwork, sometimes functions as a showcase. It kind of leaves a bitter sweet feeling... Curator: Yes, that's well observed. Artists like Gilbert were complicit to painting this 'beautiful world', omitting its shadows and the life struggles happening elsewhere. So while aesthetically pleasing, we can also examine these works critically, as tools for societal reinforcement. It makes one question whose experiences get validated, or get to have space in the visual sphere, right? Editor: Definitely. I hadn’t considered it in that way before. Thinking about its function in its time…it's a new, fascinating approach for me to evaluate art. Thank you for highlighting that crucial societal component to unpack.