Etude des Figures 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing, titled 'Etude des Figures,' capturing a medley of figures. Notice the recurring motif of faces in profile. This view, presenting a character from the side, has ancient roots, seen on Roman coins and Renaissance portraits alike. It offers a focused, revealing glimpse into character and individuality. The profile isolates features—the nose, chin, and forehead—laying bare the essence of the subject. In this drawing, the profiles aren't just about likeness; they evoke the practice of observing, studying, and documenting human form, reminiscent of anatomical drawings or early anthropological studies. They echo the cultural memory of scientific exploration. The artist's choice to scatter these profiles around the composition engages us on a subconscious level, inviting us to consider each face. Symbols, like faces in profile, resurface throughout history, each time bearing the weight of past and present. They constantly take on new meanings, influenced by cultural shifts and individual experiences.