Man with Umbrella 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created "Man with Umbrella" using crayon on paper. The composition is dominated by a central figure, a bourgeois man, surrounded by a crowd of women. The visual structure is defined by a contrast between the man’s solid, dark form and the more ephemeral, lightly colored figures surrounding him. Steinlen masterfully uses line and color to create a sense of depth and movement. The textured strokes of the crayon lend a raw quality to the scene, evoking a bustling, perhaps even chaotic, social gathering. The man's umbrella acts as a vertical anchor amidst the swirling composition, drawing attention to his aloof presence. This suggests a critical commentary on class and gender dynamics of the era. The artwork seems to destabilize the viewer's expectations through its unconventional use of space, which challenges traditional representations of social portraiture and suggests new ways of thinking about power. By re-interpreting cultural codes, this piece offers a timeless reflection on social interactions.