Who painted Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle?

Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1840.

Where can I see Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle?

Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle?

Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle

Paul Gavarni , 1840

Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The man on the left is dressed in a top hat, dark jacket, and white pants, while the man on the right wears a top hat, dark jacket, and plaid pants.

This painting depicts two men standing together, engaged in conversation. The man on the left is dressed in a top hat, dark jacket, and white pants, while the man on the right wears a top hat, dark jacket, and plaid pants. They are set against a backdrop of a wall with a sign, although the text on the sign is not legible.

The men's attire and the setting suggest a scene from everyday life in the 19th century. The artist's use of dark colors and shading creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting.

For more information on the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

Overview

Paul Gavarni’s 1840 print titled Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle presents a quiet street scene in which two gentlemen, both wearing top hats and dark coats, stand facing each other. The left figure is clad in a white‑trousered outfit, while his companion sports patterned trousers. A wall behind them bears a partially obscured sign, anchoring the composition in an everyday urban setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of informal dialogue between the two men, suggesting a casual exchange typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century public life. By focusing on ordinary attire and a mundane backdrop, Gavarni highlights the social rituals of conversation and the subtle nuances of class conveyed through clothing.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image relies on strong contrasts of dark tones and lighter highlights to model the figures and suggest depth. Gavarni’s handling of chiaroscuro—using light and shadow to define form—creates a three‑dimensional impression despite the flat medium, while the simplified background keeps attention on the interaction.

History & Provenance

Created in 1840, Revers des médailles: Moi qui vous parle entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. The print reflects Gavarni’s prolific output during the 1840s, a period when he produced numerous genre scenes documenting contemporary Parisian life.