The Refusal 1900

"The Refusal," an engraving by Timothy Cole, depicts a scene of rejection. The figures are arranged around a table in a modest room, their expressions conveying the tension of the moment. The central female figure, dressed in white, appears sorrowful, while the male figure seated opposite her holds a hat in his hand, a gesture of resignation. Cole's meticulous detail and expert use of shading bring the scene to life, capturing the intimate drama of a personal heartbreak. The artwork is a fine example of the realist style, capturing the emotions of everyday life through meticulous detail and expressive form.