Plate from l'Assommoir (bearded man seated at table) 1878

Gaston La Touche created this print, 'Plate from l'Assommoir', using etching. La Touche was a French artist working in the late 19th century during a time of significant social change and industrial expansion. This print, made for Émile Zola’s novel, encapsulates the grim realities of working-class life in Paris. The figure of the man, marked by his weathered face and weary posture, offers a glimpse into the social and personal toll of poverty and addiction. His clothes and surroundings speak to a life of hard labor and limited means. The glass of wine on the table stands as a somber reminder of the reliance on alcohol. What does it mean to depict such a scene? La Touche presents a narrative that deviates from the idealized representations of the era, inviting viewers to consider the impact of industrialization and urbanization on individual lives and communities. The image speaks to the silent struggles of a segment of society often overlooked.