Paul Gavarni

Born Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier in Paris in 1804, he became famous under the name Paul Gavarni. He first trained for technical work before turning to art, and he built his reputation through lithographs, illustrations, and caricatures that observed the habits, poses, and pretensions of modern city life.

Gavarni was especially admired for scenes of Parisian society, from dandies and theatergoers to workers, families, and people on the social margins. His work often mixed humor with sympathy, which helped it travel beyond simple satire and gave it lasting interest as a portrait of 19th-century France.

He died in 1866, but his images continued to be valued both as art and as lively records of the world around him. Readers drawn to writers and artists who notice the small truths of everyday behavior may find his work especially appealing.