Marchand D'Crayon 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this drawing of a ‘Pencil Seller’ with crayon. This image gives us an insight into the socio-economic conditions of France in the late 19th and early 20th century. Here, Steinlen depicts an itinerant salesman on a desolate road, his weary posture conveying the hardships faced by many working-class people during this era. The figure in the background, perhaps a potential customer or a fellow traveler, adds to the sense of isolation. Steinlen was known for his socialist sympathies, and his art often served as a commentary on social inequalities. To understand this work fully, we might delve into the history of labor laws, urbanization, and economic disparities in France at the time. Examining newspapers, political pamphlets, and other visual media of the period can further illuminate the cultural context in which Steinlen created this poignant image. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum but is deeply intertwined with the social and institutional forces of its time.