Waiter and Customer 

Jean-Louis Forain created “Waiter and Customer” using charcoal and crayon on paper, depicting a commonplace interaction. Forain was known for his illustrations of Parisian life, especially its underbelly. His observations of class distinctions and social customs during the Belle Époque can be considered within the context of France undergoing rapid modernization and social upheaval. Here, the stark contrast between the two figures becomes the central focus. The waiter is leaning in, attentive, yet there's a sense of weariness in his posture. Meanwhile, the seated customer appears stout and self-assured, seemingly indifferent to the server's presence. We are invited to consider the power dynamics inherent in this exchange, a dynamic defined by service, class, and perhaps even exploitation. Forain captures a quiet tension, suggesting the silent negotiations of value and the subtle performance of social roles. This drawing invites us to reflect on the often-unacknowledged labor that supports our daily lives.