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?, by Paul Gavarni, 1843
Les Actrices:  Nous ferez-vous l'hommeur de nous baiser le main?, by Paul Gavarni, 1843

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

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.