Drawing for ‘Punch’ 

Editor: This drawing by Charles Samuel Keene, titled ‘Drawing for ‘Punch’’, evokes a dreary, rainy London street scene. What can you tell me about how this image might have functioned within the magazine, and what was its role in shaping public opinion? Curator: Keene’s work for ‘Punch’ offered visual commentary on Victorian society. Its satirical edge, softened by its accessible style, helped shape middle-class perceptions of social issues. Consider how this specific scene, with its class distinctions, would resonate with readers. Editor: It’s interesting to think about how art can be both critical and popular at the same time. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, the intersection of art, media, and public perception is a complex and fascinating field.