Twee criminelen praten over een derde man 1843

"Twee criminelen praten over een derde man" (1843) is a lithograph by the French artist Charles Jacque (1813-1894). The artwork depicts three men gathered in a dimly lit room, engaged in a clandestine conversation. Two of the men stand, while the third sits, hunched over, seemingly lost in thought. The lithograph's title, "Twee criminelen praten over een derde man," suggests the men are criminals plotting against a third party, and the title and text from the original print refer to a subject's "vanity" and the consequences of their actions. The scene is rendered in a highly detailed and realistic style, characteristic of Jacque's artistic approach. The composition emphasizes the men's facial expressions and gestures, creating a sense of tension and intrigue. The use of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the scene. "Twee criminelen praten over een derde man" is a striking example of Jacque's ability to capture the essence of social realism in his art.