L'Absinthe! 1862

"L'Absinthe!" is a lithograph created in 1862 by Louis Emile Benassit, a French artist known for his depictions of everyday life and social commentary. This image depicts a group of individuals in a street scene, with a fallen figure in the foreground and a ghostly figure standing over them, likely representing death. The title and the imagery suggest a social critique of the dangers of absinthe, a popular but highly addictive alcoholic drink that was consumed in France during the 19th century. The lithograph's dramatic composition and detailed depiction of the characters make it a powerful indictment of the social ills associated with the consumption of absinthe.