John's Reverie 

John Leech created "John's Reverie," a monochrome image reflecting Victorian society. The period was marked by strict social norms, industrial growth, and a rigid class structure. Leech, working in this era, captures a man hunched in thought, possibly weighed down by these societal pressures. His posture suggests deep contemplation, perhaps even despair. In this context, the image may speak to the individual’s struggle against the backdrop of societal expectations and the personal costs of conforming to them. Leech contrasts traditional representations of stoic masculinity, by portraying vulnerability. This artwork could represent a larger societal narrative questioning the personal cost of progress and societal expectations, encouraging viewers to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of historical change.