Satan was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1855.

Where can I see Satan?

Satan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Satan?

Satan is associated with Romanticism.

Satan by Paul Gavarni (1855) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

This painting shows a young woman ironing, with her blouse falling off her shoulder.
She's being approached by a procuress, a woman who lures girls into sex work.
The scene suggests the woman's morals are loose.

The woman's pose and expression are interesting.
She seems to be listening intently to the procuress.

This scene is reminiscent of work by artist Paul Gavarni (French, 1804–1866).

Overview

Satan is a print by French artist Paul Gavarni, created during the 19th-century proliferation of illustrated press in France. The work depicts a scene of social commentary, featuring a young laundress and a procuress, touching on themes of morality and vulnerability.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a young laundress pausing from ironing, her blouse disarranged, as she intently listens to a procuress. The composition implies the laundress's precarious virtue and the procuress's exploitative intentions, using the laundress figure—a common vehicle for Gavarni's social critique.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of 'Satan' are not provided, Gavarni's characteristic approach to caricature and social commentary is evident. The emphasis on expressive pose and facial expression suggests a nuanced, psychologically charged rendering typical of his satirical works.

History & Provenance

'Satan' was part of a broader body of work by Gavarni that attracted the admiration of Edgar Degas, who collected a significant number of Gavarni's prints. The title 'Satan' metaphorically alludes to the procuress's influence as a tempter.

Context

Produced in 19th-century France, 'Satan' reflects the era's use of caricature in the illustrated press for social commentary. Gavarni's choice of a laundress as the subject aligns with contemporary artistic practices of using such figures to critique social morals.

Legacy

Through its inclusion in collections like Degas's, 'Satan' contributes to Gavarni's recognized influence on later artists. The work's themes and Gavarni's overall oeuvre have maintained relevance in discussions of 19th-century social commentary and caricature.