En fuld Mand 1885

This small print, ‘En fuld Mand,’ which translates to ‘A Drunk Man’ in English, was made by an anonymous artist, using etching. Without knowing the artist's identity or the precise date, we can only speculate about its social context. The figure's disheveled appearance and reliance on an unseen object for support evokes a sense of vulnerability. How might societal attitudes toward intoxication at the time of its creation impact the artist’s decision to remain anonymous? The man’s ornate clothing suggests a sense of fallen grandeur, perhaps reflecting broader anxieties about social mobility. The arc above him may either represent his inebriated state or serve as a halo ironically depicting the consequences of moral failing. What do you think about the ways in which the artist approaches such a character, and how might our interpretation change if the artist's identity and intentions were known?