Patient and doctor 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen sketched "Patient and Doctor," capturing a moment of intimate consultation. Steinlen, living through the transformations of late 19th and early 20th century France, often depicted the lives of ordinary people, reflecting a society grappling with industrialization and shifting social norms. In this image, a young woman reclines in bed, her gaze meeting the doctor's. Consider how gender and class dynamics play out here. The woman, possibly from a wealthier background suggested by her attire, relies on the expertise of a medical professional, who, despite his position, still exists within a societal hierarchy. What unspoken power dynamics are at play? Steinlen’s sketch invites us to reflect on vulnerability, trust, and the complex relationships that define our shared human experience. In his art, Steinlen challenged traditional representations by focusing on real people and pressing social issues.