Desperate Man (Le desespere) 

Alphonse Legros created this etching called "Desperate Man," portraying a figure burdened by the weight of existence. Born in France during a time of significant social upheaval and industrial change, Legros's work often reflects the hardships faced by the working class. The man is slumped, with his head in his hand, and his expression is lost. The figure's posture speaks of exhaustion and defeat, hinting at the psychological and emotional toll of poverty and marginalization. Legros was committed to representing the dignity of the working class, in which one can read a narrative of resilience amidst despair. This artwork invites us to confront uncomfortable realities and consider our own roles in perpetuating or challenging systems of inequality. It prompts questions about the relationship between individual struggles and broader socio-economic forces. Through the depiction of the 'every man', it highlights the universal nature of the human condition.