Aux Desesperes Pour Qu-ils Choisissent 1898

"Aux Desesperes Pour Qu-ils Choisissent" (1898) by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen is a stark lithograph that depicts a crowd of individuals huddled together in the darkness. The composition is dominated by the shadowy figures, their faces obscured, suggesting a sense of anonymity and despair. The lone figure in the foreground holding a torch illuminates the scene, casting a dramatic light on the text, "Aux Désespérés Pour Qu'ils Choisissent," which translates to "To the Desperate Ones So That They May Choose." The artwork exemplifies Steinlen's characteristic style, known for its expressive lines, social commentary, and portrayal of the urban underclass.