De gans voor het kerstfeest 1876 - 1890

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this print, "De gans voor het kerstfeest," which translates to "The Goose for Christmas," sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering us a glimpse into the stark class disparities of the era. Through a series of vignettes, Steinlen contrasts the opulent Christmas dinner of a bourgeois family with the abject poverty of those outside their window. Notice how the family feasts on a goose, a symbol of wealth and abundance, while a family of color outside can only look on. This contrast isn't just about economics, it speaks volumes about social exclusion and the racialized dimensions of poverty. Steinlen, a socialist and anarchist, often used his art to critique social injustice. Here, he challenges the viewer to confront the uncomfortable reality that while some celebrate in excess, others are left wanting. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its depiction of longing and the quiet desperation of those excluded from the festivities. It compels us to reflect on the ethics of consumption and the shared humanity that transcends economic divides.