Perspective 1870 - 1891

"Perspective" is a pen-and-ink drawing by Charles Samuel Keene, a prominent English illustrator and artist. Created between 1870 and 1891, the piece showcases Keene's signature style of capturing everyday scenes with subtle humor and keen observation. The drawing depicts a man leaning down towards a woman, their faces obscured, as they share a moment of intimate connection, possibly a shared secret or a whispered conversation. The viewer is drawn into the intimate scene through Keene's delicate lines and expressive use of shading, which create a sense of depth and realism despite the small scale of the artwork. This work, now held by The Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into Keene's talent for portraying the intricacies of human interaction and the fleeting nature of everyday life.