313 "ME NEXT?"
By Victor Gabriel Gilbert (1831-1912)

A lettuce leaf brings such happiness to a rabbit. But a piece of bread and jam really doesn't appeal to them. If only they could talk, at least they could thank the little girl for her kindness, but that is her idea of a tasty treat and not theirs!

Too young to tease, our little friend in her clean white smock feels that she should share her food with such delightful and cuddly rabbits. They are always so friendly and never frighten her way because they are so quiet. These are big tame rabbits who enjoy the security of the hutch, below the piled up fruit on display in the shop. They see many of different people every day and enjoy the attention. For no-one ignores them; irresistible as they are for a gentle tickle and stroke through the wide bars.

The vase of pink roses, probably brought in from the garden yesterday, shows how her mother cares to make things so much more pleasant in her surroundings. As she sits and perhaps reads her book, she snatches a few moments of peace before the next customer arrives.
A little rag-doll lies in wait for retrieval while the little girl's attention is distracted. But it won't be long before the doll is whisked off for some personal attention, probably in the companionship of her teddy bear and best dolls.

These best dolls are not allowed to be carted around the house or the shop because their fine dresses will get dirty far too quickly. Rag-dolls are more fun anyway because they go everywhere and aren't stuck up with their own self importance. Even at this age, our little girl knows who her best friends are, - and they go everywhere with her.

Born in Paris, Victor Gabriel Gilbert was taught by Adam and Busson. He painted genre scenes and pictures of Parisian life from street markets to such aristocratic gatherings. He was made a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur in 1897.