Artwork

Revers des Médailles

Revers des Médailles, by Paul Gavarni, 1842
Revers des Médailles, by Paul Gavarni, 1842

Revers des Médailles 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

Revers des Médailles is a print by Paul Gavarni, created in 1842, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two men in 19th-century attire engaged in a private conversation, with one whispering to the other, who appears surprised. A sign in the background bears French inscriptions, including 'Découverte Mery' and 'Contre la Surdité', hinting at the conversation's subject matter.

Technique & Style

Gavarni employed rapid, sketchy lines to convey the men's poses and reactions, imbuing the scene with a sense of liveliness. The use of contrasting light and dark areas adds depth to the composition.

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.