At the Club 1870 - 1891

Charles Samuel Keene made this drawing, “At the Club,” using pen and brown ink over graphite. While seemingly simple, the lines of the drawing speak volumes about the social world it depicts. The immediacy of the sketch gives the impression of something dashed off, yet it’s also deeply considered. Keene applied the ink with a controlled hand, varying the pressure to create darker, more emphatic lines where he wanted to define forms and textures. Look at the hatching that describes the seated man’s suit, versus the lighter touch used for the background figures. This was not just a matter of artistic skill. It was also about the artist's own social positioning, looking in on a milieu of wealthy men. Though he made his living as a professional artist, providing illustrations for publications such as "Punch," he was never quite part of the establishment. Ultimately, the drawing transcends its immediate subject matter, inviting us to consider the wider social dynamics that shape artistic expression.