1857
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Commerce des Muses is a 1857 by Paul Gavarni, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows a man in a loose coat and baggy pants, standing with one hand tucked into his pocket. He’s leaning against a wall, looking sideways with a slightly tired expression. Behind him, a half-finished statue sits on a pedestal, and a chair is tucked nearby. The title below, *Commerce des Muses*, hints at a play on words—it sounds like "commerce" but also mocks the idea of "trade with the muses" (art and inspiration). The sketch feels like a quick, funny snapshot of a real person, not a grand portrait. If you like this style, check out The Cleveland Museum of Art for more works by the artist.
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
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