Plate from l'Assommoir (two women fighting, with onlookers) 1878

This etching, created in 1878 by French artist Gaston La Touche, depicts a scene of violence between two women in a crowded room. The work, titled "Plate from l'Assommoir (two women fighting, with onlookers)", captures the raw energy of the struggle, with onlookers observing the altercation with a mixture of shock and morbid curiosity. La Touche's use of deep blacks and whites enhances the drama, creating a powerful and visceral image. This print, now located at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a powerful testament to La Touche's talent for capturing the intensity of human emotions and social interactions.