Study for WWI litho 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this study for a WWI lithograph using graphite. Steinlen lived through the Franco-Prussian War, and his art often reflected the anxieties and realities of conflict, class inequality and social justice issues. Here, a civilian stands, arms outstretched as if to ward off the progress of a horse-drawn carriage of soldiers and refugees fleeing from conflict. The raw quality of the graphite lines adds an emotional intensity, emphasizing the civilian's vulnerability and desperation. The drawing powerfully evokes the chaos and suffering of war, and the way it disproportionately affects civilian populations. Steinlen challenges traditional heroic narratives of war by focusing on its human cost. By connecting the personal stories of those impacted by conflict, he offers a powerful commentary on the social and political dimensions of war. The image captures both the external events of war and the internal experiences of loss, fear, and resilience.