How do you do? -Thank you! and you? -I thank you. Don't take your hat off! -As you see; and ... are you well?... - Paul Gavarni

A satirical lithograph by Paul Gavarni depicts two gentlemen exchanging greetings with exaggerated politeness, capturing the social nuances of 19th-century Parisian life with humour and wit.

This lithograph by Paul Gavarni (1804-1866), a French artist celebrated for his satirical and humorous depictions of Parisian life, captures a moment of social exchange with a light-hearted touch. Gavarni, whose real name was Hippolyte Guillaume Sulpice Chevalier, began his career as a technical designer before turning to illustration and caricature, quickly gaining popularity for his witty observations of contemporary society. His work often appeared in periodicals such as Le Charivari, reflecting the fashions, manners, and social dynamics of 19th-century France. The print presents two gentlemen engaged in a polite, if somewhat exaggerated, greeting. One figure, adjusting his top hat, inclines slightly towards the other, who peers through spectacles while holding his own hat. The scene is rendered with fine, calligraphic lines that give the figures a sense of movement and personality. The background is sparsely detailed, focusing attention on the interaction between the two men. The lithograph is accompanied by text, adding a narrative element to the visual scene. Gavarni's skill in capturing social nuances and his keen eye for detail make this print a charming glimpse into the past.