Artwork

Carrier

Carrier, by Paul Gavarni, 1857
Carrier, by Paul Gavarni, 1857

Carrier is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1924.276

About this work

Overview

Carrier is a print by Paul Gavarni, created around 1857, and is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a weary man standing on a hillside, with a faint cityscape behind him. The title 'Carrier' and the accompanying phrase 'Paris, it eats lead!' suggest the hardships faced by workers, reflecting the artist's interest in capturing the lives of ordinary people.

Technique & Style

Gavarni's sketch is characterized by its light, expressive lines, with the cityscape and trees drawn faintly in the background. The man's slumped posture and worn clothes convey a sense of fatigue and hardship.

Context

Carrier is part of Gavarni's series 'Physionomies Parisiennes', which explores the faces and lives of Parisians. The work is associated with the Realism movement, which focused on depicting everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people.

Physionomies Parisiennes:  Au Marais.  Ici, Azor! ici!
Physionomies Parisiennes: Au Marais. Ici, Azor! ici!, Paul Gavarni

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Carrier?

Carrier was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1857.

Where can I see Carrier?

Carrier is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Carrier?

Carrier is associated with Impressionism.