Toujours Vous 1897

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing called, 'Toujours Vous,' using charcoal. Observe the woman, her face a study in contemplation as her head rests upon her hand. This gesture, a hallmark of melancholy and reflection, traces back through centuries of art, echoing in the poses of ancient philosophers and Renaissance thinkers alike. The hand-to-head motif is often associated with introspection and a sense of internal struggle. Consider, for instance, depictions of Saturn, the god of melancholia, invariably shown with his head propped up. Over time, the gesture has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. In Steinlen's time, we see it manifest as an expression of modern ennui. This posture is a mirror to the collective human experience of grappling with our inner selves, tapping into a deep, subconscious reservoir of emotion that resonates across generations. Steinlen brings this symbol to life once again, proving that these motifs endure and evolve in an unending cycle.