La Greve des Juifs 1898

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing, "La Greve des Juifs," using expressive lines to depict a scene charged with tension and social commentary. The monochromatic palette heightens the stark contrast between the looming figure of the guard and the mass of striking workers. Steinlen's composition uses the formal device of a human barrier. A line of men is halted by the guard, creating opposing diagonals, which invites us to consider the power dynamics at play. The rough, sketch-like quality of the drawing underscores the rawness and urgency of the moment. Semiotically, the guard's uniform and weapon represent authority, while the varied clothing and faces of the workers signal individuality within a collective struggle. The artist’s deliberate use of light and shadow enhances the emotional impact of the piece, casting a somber tone that speaks to the broader social and philosophical issues of labor, identity, and justice. The tension between representation and abstraction invites us to question the very nature of such cultural and political representation.