Artwork
Les Actrices: Nous ferez-vous l'hommeur de nous baiser le main?

Les Actrices: Nous ferez-vous l'hommeur de nous baiser le main? 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.
About this work
Overview
Les Actrices: Nous ferez-vous l'hommeur de nous baiser le main? is a print by Paul Gavarni, created in 1843, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two women in a dimly lit setting, with one, dressed in an elaborate gown and crown, standing formally while the other, in simpler attire, leans forward to kiss her hand, suggesting a scene that may be playful or ironic, possibly referencing the social dynamics among actresses.
Technique & Style
Gavarni employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and emphasize the women's facial expressions and gestures, achieved through skilled shading that focuses the viewer's attention on their faces and hands.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
















