Artwork

Les Lorettes

Les Lorettes, by Paul Gavarni, 1842
Les Lorettes, by Paul Gavarni, 1842

Les Lorettes is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les Lorettes, an 1842 print by French artist Paul Gavarni, depicts a nuanced, dimly lit scene of two figures in a simple room, inviting interpretation of their interaction.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a woman, back turned, holding a fan, and a man facing her, grasping a curtain. Their posed, slightly awkward stances suggest a theatrical or comedic moment, potentially referencing Parisian stage culture, as hinted by the title.

Technique & Style

Gavarni employs a restrained, low-light setting with a plain floor and off-center lighting from the left, contributing to the intimate, staged ambiance of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1842, Les Lorettes is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

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.