Force of Habit 1870 - 1891

Charles Samuel Keene made this ink drawing, Force of Habit, using the simplest of means: pen on paper. The immediacy of the medium allowed Keene to capture a scene of everyday life with remarkable efficiency. The strokes of the pen create a sense of depth and texture, from the cross-hatching that defines the speaker's coat to the quick, confident lines suggesting the faces in the crowd. Keene was known for his work in popular publications like "Punch," and this drawing reflects that background. It's a scene of labor, with a speaker addressing a crowd, perhaps in a courtroom or public meeting. The quick, almost journalistic style speaks to the demands of producing images for mass consumption. The drawing isn’t about refined artistry. Rather, it emphasizes capturing a moment, a social dynamic, with the speed and precision that the printing press required. Ultimately, appreciating the material and social context of "Force of Habit" helps us see it not just as a drawing, but as a product of its time, deeply embedded in the world of work and visual communication.