Gavarni

Happy Birthday, first to my close friend Maryjane Cline!! And then to Gavarni…French printmaker from 1804. He was originally named Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier, but took Paul Gavarni as his artist name from the location where he first published a sketch. He began as an engineer draftsman but then became a caricaturist. Gavarni came from a poor family in Paris and attended the free school of drawing. His cartoons often poked fun at French society and various classes. He quickly became popular among publishers, illustrating several books including an edition of Balzac’s works. Toward the end of his life he became quite interested in scientific pursuits and experiments, especially aerial navigation. The Pot and Pan Peddler, printed in England, is included here.