A Chronicler of Parisian Life: The World of Paul Gavarni Paul Gavarni, born Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier in Paris on January 13th, 1804, wasn’t merely an illustrator; he was a visual storyteller who captured the spirit of his age with remarkable wit and sensitivity. Though initially trained as a watercolorist, it was under the pseudonym “Gavarni” that he rose to prominence, becoming synonymous with the vibrant, often satirical depiction of Parisian society in the 19th century. His career unfolded during a period of immense social change – the Restoration, the July Monarchy, and the Second Emp…