Employment 1870 - 1891

"Employment" (1870-1891) by Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891) is a pen and ink drawing depicting two men in conversation, possibly discussing job prospects in a busy city street. The scene is depicted in a realistic style, characteristic of Keene's work, which often focused on everyday life in London. The drawing, currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, captures the social and economic anxieties of Victorian England, a theme explored by Keene throughout his artistic career. The artist’s mastery of detail is evident in the nuanced portrayal of the men's clothing and expressions.