He had a hunch 1913

Louis Glackens made this drawing called, "He had a hunch" sometime around the turn of the century, probably with ink and maybe watercolor. The color palette is really muted, as are the tones, as if the artist was sketching something out in a muted style with just a few pops of color to show what's important. The bulletin board is plastered with notices—delicatessen trust, child labor, white slave, easy money trust… It’s a catalogue of corruption, like a shopping list for someone crooked. But then, look at the guy. He's got this potted plant, and he’s sneaking away. He’s trying to hide the evidence, but he looks so clumsy, not like someone who’s very good at being crooked. The plant is an odd touch, it makes me think he's trying to cover his tracks with a bit of greenery. It makes me think of Daumier, and the way he poked fun at the bourgeoisie—Glackens has that same satirical edge. It's a reminder that art doesn't have to be serious to be profound. Sometimes, the best way to get at the truth is to laugh at it.