Artwork

Croquis Fantastique: Bon Appetit

Croquis Fantastique:  Bon Appetit, by Paul Gavarni, 1839
Croquis Fantastique:  Bon Appetit, by Paul Gavarni, 1839

Croquis Fantastique: Bon Appetit is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Croquis Fantastique: Bon Appetit is a print by Paul Gavarni, created in 1839, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in an elaborate dress seated at a small table, holding cutlery and gazing at a miniature house on her plate labeled 'Terrain.' The scene is filled with whimsical elements, including signs and a wine bottle, suggesting a humorous commentary on real estate or societal norms.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by loose, sketchy lines, contributing to its playful and exaggerated atmosphere. Gavarni's use of everyday objects transformed into miniature, labeled buildings adds to the fantastical nature of the scene.

Context

This print reflects the Romanticism movement's use of humor and fantasy in art, where artists often employed unconventional and imaginative themes to convey their ideas.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.