Gentleman 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this drawing, "Gentleman," using colored crayons to depict a scene of urban life. The texture of the crayons on paper creates a soft, almost hazy effect, blurring the lines between the figures and emphasizing the gritty atmosphere of the setting. Looking closely, you can see the individual strokes, a record of Steinlen's hand at work. It's a quick, economical technique, perfect for capturing a fleeting moment. And what a moment it is: the drawing shows people in different states of disarray in public. What's striking is that Steinlen wasn't interested in capturing grand historical events. Instead, he focused on the everyday realities of ordinary people. The scene evokes questions of class, labor, and the human condition, without passing any judgement. It's in this spirit, by considering the materials and processes, we can see how Steinlen elevates the mundane to a subject of artistic and social significance.