La Ballade du Desespere 1896

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen’s 1896 illustration, "La Ballade du Désespéré," depicts a man in a somber mood, seated in a chair in a dimly lit room. The figure's hunched posture and downcast gaze conveys a sense of despair, reflected in the title. Steinlen, a renowned artist of the Belle Époque, was known for his poignant depictions of everyday life, particularly the plight of the working class. The use of muted tones and rough, expressive brushstrokes further emphasizes the melancholic atmosphere. The work is a testament to Steinlen's ability to capture raw human emotion through evocative imagery.