1847
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Des Mères de Famille! is a 1847 by Paul Gavarni, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows two women in a cozy, dim room. One is sitting up in bed, looking shocked, while the other leans over her, holding a letter. The woman in bed has messy hair and loose clothes, and the other woman’s face is half-lit, with a serious expression. The lines are quick and sketchy, like a hasty drawing. The text below hints at a conversation—something about love and secrets. The title *Des Mères de Famille!* suggests these women are mothers, but the mood feels tense. If you like this style, look up chiaroscuro next.
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
See the richer artist page
