Waiter and Customer 

Jean-Louis Forain captured this drawing of a waiter and a customer with pencil on paper. Here, we see more than just a social interaction; we witness a silent dialogue of gestures, a subtle power play embedded in the mundane. The customer's posture, leaning back with a smirk, echoes the ancient motif of the reclining figure, a symbol of leisure and dominance found in classical art. Meanwhile, the waiter’s stooped stance is a posture of servitude, his bald head reminiscent of countless depictions of the working class throughout history. Consider the evolution of the mustache, proudly worn by the customer; from a symbol of virility and strength in ancient cultures to a marker of class and identity in the modern era. These small details resonate with collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level. The emotional tension is palpable, a universal struggle for recognition and respect acted out on the stage of everyday life. This drawing is not merely a snapshot, it is a testament to the cyclical nature of human relationships.