Badauds 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Théophile Alexandre Steinlen’s "Badauds." It's undated, but the ink on paper gives it such a classic feel. The crowd seems really animated, almost caricatured. What historical context might be influencing how Steinlen portrays this public gathering? Curator: Well, consider the term "Badauds" itself, implying gawkers or simpletons. Steinlen was working in a time of significant social upheaval in France, marked by growing class consciousness and anxieties about public spectacle. Do you think he's celebrating or critiquing the crowd dynamic here? Editor: I see your point. The way they're all craning their necks does feel a bit mocking, now that you mention the social anxieties. Curator: Exactly! And that's the public role of art; it's not only representing society, but it's actively commenting on it. Editor: That makes me think about how mass media was evolving then, influencing how people perceived public events. Thanks, I hadn't considered that.