The House of Balzac dedicates its brand-new exhibition to the theme of marriage in the 19th century, explored through the works of the writer and the often humorous drawings of his contemporaries. Between quotations from the author of The Human Comedy and hilarious caricatures, this portrait of society from two centuries ago proves to be particularly eye-opening. An engaged exhibit, nestled in a beautiful house with a garden in the 16th arrondissement. You have until March 30, 2025, to enjoy it!
Marriage: a tragedy?
Balzac, though not exactly feminist in the modern sense of the term, tackles avant-garde themes like physical harmony and the injustice faced by women regarding adultery. Through excerpts of texts and hilarious drawings from his contemporaries, the exhibition teaches us how women were perceived in the 19th century and how they were heavily dependent on their marital status, like real-life Desperate Housewives.
Did you know that women were classified into three categories? Those who were proper, good marriage matches; those who were necessary, whose precarious status forced them to seek a protector (including prostitutes!); and finally, the losers, too old, sick, and worn out. Whatever the case, a woman was expected to fulfill her conjugal duty, a particularly vile obligation that Balzac, a forward-thinking thinker, was among the first to label as rape. As he wrote, “Well, marriage, as it is practiced today, seems to me to be legal prostitution!” Balzac, a girlboss?
Source of comedy
Funniest part of the exhibit: the series of watercolors by Émile Charles Wattier depicting the descent into hell of a married couple, from resignation to hatred. Where there’s hatred for one’s spouse, infidelity quickly follows. With divorce abolished in 1816, adultery spread like wildfire. However, for men, it was a pastime to have fun with courtesans, while for women, it meant three years in prison. Great vibes. The theme of cuckolded and unfaithful men was a major inspiration for artists and caricaturists of the time, as shown by Gavarni’s drawing of a cheating man defiantly facing the judge in court, while his mistress bows her head in shame.
Favorite part of the exhibition: it also offers an olfactory journey, with scents illustrating the works and themes. You can also enjoy the garden of the House, nestled in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, with its sublime view of the Eiffel Tower. An incredibly important and engaged exhibition not to be missed!
Lost (Conjugal) Illusions, House of Balzac, 47 Rue Raynouard, Paris 16th. Until March 30, 2025. Entry: €9.
