Without even counting the times there wasn't a thing at our house to put in the oven ... and Monsieur wears an overcoat of doubly thick cloth. Good lord! An overcoat of doubly thick cloth!, p. 53 - Paul Gavarni

A lithograph by Paul Gavarni depicting three figures in a scene of domestic life, commenting on poverty and social disparity in Parisian society. The work captures the characters' circumstances through expressive lines and tonal variations.

This lithograph by Paul Gavarni (1804-1866), a French artist known for his satirical and social caricatures, captures a scene of domestic life with a poignant commentary on poverty and social disparity. Gavarni, whose real name was Hippolyte Guillaume Sulpice Chevalier, began his career as a technical draughtsman before turning to illustration and printmaking. His work often appeared in periodicals such as 'Le Charivari', offering sharp observations of Parisian society. The image depicts three figures: an older woman, a younger woman, and a child. The older woman, possibly a grandmother, appears worn and weary. The younger woman stands tall, while the child is nestled between them. The lithograph's title, taken from the text accompanying the image, suggests a narrative of hardship and the irony of a man owning a luxurious overcoat despite the family's lack of basic necessities. Gavarni's skill in capturing expressions and body language conveys a sense of the characters' circumstances. The composition, with its focus on the figures and minimal background, directs attention to the human element of the scene. The lithographic technique allows for fine lines and tonal variations, enhancing the emotional impact of the work.