Tommorrow! 1894

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing, ‘Tomorrow!’, employing lithography on paper. The composition immediately strikes us with its stark contrasts and expressive lines. The figures, rendered in bold strokes, convey a powerful sense of human drama. The division of space, with the wealthy figure in the foreground and the working-class family behind him, creates a visual hierarchy that speaks to the social tensions of Steinlen's time. Notice how the artist uses line and shading to emphasize the bulk and opulence of the wealthy man, contrasting sharply with the leaner, more angular forms of the workers. This juxtaposition invites us to consider how the artist uses formal elements to reflect broader social and political concerns. The dynamism of the lines, particularly in the background, destabilizes any sense of tranquility. Steinlen's drawing functions as a potent commentary on power, class, and the uncertain promise of the future.