La Correspondance Cassee 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created "La Correspondance Cassee" likely at the height of the industrial revolution, a period when social and economic structures were in flux. Steinlen’s work often depicted the realities of urban life in Paris, particularly for the working class. In this drawing, we see a dense crowd around a horse-drawn carriage, possibly at a train station or some other point of transit. The figures, rendered in muted tones, are diverse in appearance, suggesting a cross-section of Parisian society. The separation between the classes is palpable, and the crowding hints at the social tensions bubbling beneath the surface. The drawing invites us to consider the human condition amidst urban sprawl. Steinlen’s sympathies were clearly with the marginalized. Here, he captures a moment of unspoken narratives, the "broken correspondence" alluding to missed connections and perhaps, shattered dreams. This piece is not just an observation; it’s an empathetic portrayal of a society grappling with change, seen through the eyes of those most affected.