Frontispiece: The Dregs of Society (Las bas-fonds de la societe) 1864

"Frontispiece: The Dregs of Society (Las bas-fonds de la societe)" is an 1864 etching by Felicien Rops, a leading figure in the Symbolist movement. The artwork features a complex composition of multiple vignettes, each depicting a scene from the underbelly of Parisian society. The central image depicts a skeletal figure with a jester's cap, holding a book titled "Bas-fonds de la societe," revealing a macabre commentary on the dark undercurrents of social life. The print is a satirical and provocative exploration of societal hypocrisy and the hidden truths beneath the surface of seemingly respectable society. Rops' masterful use of line and detail creates a visually striking and unsettling experience, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of their own time.