Artwork

Les Actrices: Au petit lever...

Les Actrices:  Au petit lever..., by Paul Gavarni, 1843
Les Actrices:  Au petit lever..., by Paul Gavarni, 1843

Les Actrices: Au petit lever... is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Les Actrices: Au petit lever.

About this work

Overview

Les Actrices: Au petit lever... is an 1843 print by French artist Paul Gavarni, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, intimate scene of a woman seated in a chair, engrossed in reading. Her tranquil, home environment—complete with a table set with a teapot and cup, and curtains tied back with a rope—conveys a sense of peaceful, private moment.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft lighting and a focus on capturing a quiet, emotional moment, the work aligns with the principles of Romanticism, emphasizing atmosphere and personal contemplation over strict realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1843 by Paul Gavarni, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Emerging in the mid-19th century, this work reflects the Romantic movement's values, which prioritized individual emotion, imagination, and the beauty of everyday, intimate scenes.

Legacy

As a representative of Romantic-era printmaking, Les Actrices: Au petit lever... contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of 19th-century European artistic movements.

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.