Force of Habit 1870 - 1891

"Force of Habit" is a pen and ink drawing by Charles Samuel Keene that depicts a man walking into a church, likely to attend a service. The drawing is notable for its detailed depiction of the church interior, particularly the pews and the congregation. The man, dressed in a long coat and tall hat, is contrasted against the seated members of the audience and the pews, which are meticulously drawn. This drawing, created between 1870 and 1891, showcases Keene's keen observation of social life in Victorian England. The work, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, captures a moment of everyday life in a humorous and satirical light.