Artwork

"Une de ces mines pudibones"

"Une de ces mines pudibones", by Paul Gavarni, ink, 1843
"Une de ces mines pudibones", by Paul Gavarni, ink, 1843

"Une de ces mines pudibones" is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:across top in graphite: L'Eloquence de la chair.; across bottom in graphite: De rencontrer, en meme temps, un adorateur et un coup de vent.

About this work

Overview

Une de ces mines pudibones is a lithograph on wove paper created by French illustrator Paul Gavarni around 1843. The work depicts a scene of everyday urban life, characteristic of Gavarni's focus on capturing contemporary social types and behaviors.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph shows two figures on a city street: a woman seated on a bench with her back turned, wearing an old-fashioned hat and dress, and a nearby man standing with his top hat and coat, intently checking his pocket watch. The scene conveys a moment of everyday life, with the subjects' postures and actions implying a narrative of waiting or anticipation.

Technique & Style

Gavarni employed quick, sketchy lines to capture movement and mood, hallmarks of his visually witty and observant style. The lithographic technique allowed for expressive rendering of textures, such as the woman's feather or lace hat and the man's tightly buttoned coat.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1843, this work is part of Gavarni's contributions to mid-19th-century French publications that satirically and realistically depicted contemporary urban life and social types. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This lithograph reflects the societal observations prevalent in French illustration during the mid-19th century, where artists like Gavarni used satire and genre scenes to comment on everyday life and the people in it.

Non, madame, je ne vous quitterai pas...
Non, madame, je ne vous quitterai pas..., Honoré Daumier

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Gavarni

Artist

Paul Gavarni

Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier, a French illustrator, born in Paris.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted "Une de ces mines pudibones"?

"Une de ces mines pudibones" was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1843.

Where can I see "Une de ces mines pudibones"?

"Une de ces mines pudibones" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is "Une de ces mines pudibones"?

"Une de ces mines pudibones" is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of "Une de ces mines pudibones"?

Museum-quality prints of "Une de ces mines pudibones" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.