The Toilet of an Attorneys Clerk Antoine Charles Horace Vernet (1758-1836)

Here we observe a scene unfolding on a narrow staircase leading into what appears to be a modest dwelling. The composition is dominated by two male figures engaged in a domestic ritual – the morning toilette. One man, positioned at the foot of the stairs, actively fans the other who sits perched upon a chair midway up the steps.
The figure being fanned displays an elaborate powdered wig and a somewhat theatrical expression, his mouth slightly open as if inhaling deeply from the fan’s breeze. He is clad in a dressing gown, suggesting a state of undress and leisure. The man wielding the fan appears younger, with a more energetic posture and a less ostentatious hairstyle. His attire consists of a jacket and breeches, indicating a working-class status.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the narrative. The visible wooden beams and rough-hewn staircase suggest an unrefined environment, contrasting sharply with the affected elegance of the men’s grooming practices. A cat perched precariously on the upper landing adds a touch of domesticity and perhaps a subtle element of chaos.
Subtexts within this depiction are layered. The scene seems to satirize the performative nature of social rituals and the aspirations of those seeking upward mobility. The clerk, through his diligent fanning, appears to be attempting to emulate the refined habits of his employer or a higher social class. However, the cramped setting and somewhat awkward interaction undermine any genuine sense of sophistication. The overall impression is one of aspiration tempered by circumstance – a commentary on the complexities of social climbing and the often-humorous discrepancies between appearance and reality. The image subtly critiques the superficiality of societal expectations and the lengths to which individuals will go to project an image of respectability.