Artwork

"Voyons! Mme Majeste..."

"Voyons! Mme Majeste...", by Paul Gavarni, ink, 1853
"Voyons! Mme Majeste...", by Paul Gavarni, ink, 1853

"Voyons! Mme Majeste..." is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The lithograph 'Voyons!

About this work

Overview

The lithograph 'Voyons! Mme Majeste...' is a print created by French illustrator Paul Gavarni in 1853. It is executed on chine collé, a paper technique that allows for subtle tonal variations.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two figures in conversation, rendered in a loose and sketchy style that captures their expressions and body language. The title suggests a humorous scene from everyday life, implying a joke or witty remark between the two individuals.

Technique & Style

Gavarni employed a fast and expressive drawing style, characterized by rough lines and a blurry background with faint outlines of buildings and trees. The use of chine collé enhanced the tonal subtlety of the print, allowing for a nuanced representation of the scene.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Gavarni

Artist

Paul Gavarni

Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.