La Rue 

This lithograph by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen captures a vibrant street scene, teeming with figures from all walks of life. Dominating the image is a crowd, their faces a blend of curiosity and indifference, evoking a sense of anonymity amidst urban bustle. The basket, carried by a woman in the foreground, is a motif laden with history. We can trace its presence back to ancient harvest festivals, symbolizing fertility and communal bounty. Think of the cornucopia in Roman art, overflowing with the earth's gifts. But here, the basket, though full, is heavy, perhaps reflecting the burdens and daily struggles of the working class. Notice how Steinlen frames the scene, drawing us into the collective unconscious of the city. The street becomes a stage where individual dramas play out, all under the indifferent gaze of the metropolis. The evolution of such symbols is never linear, they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, reminding us of the enduring power of images.