Plate from l'Assommoir (two boys on gaslit street) 1878

This etching by Gaston La Touche, titled "Plate from l'Assommoir (two boys on gaslit street)", depicts two young boys standing on a dimly lit street. The image captures the gritty realism of 19th-century Parisian life, referencing Émile Zola's novel *L'Assommoir*. La Touche’s skilled use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, highlighting the boys’ poverty and vulnerability against the backdrop of the bustling city. The artwork is a powerful example of social realism, capturing a poignant moment in the lives of ordinary people. It can be found at The Art Institute of Chicago.