Mere et Enfant 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this sketch, "Mere et Enfant," using ink on paper, and it captures a universal scene of motherhood and childhood. Steinlen was known for his sympathetic depictions of the working class and marginalized communities in Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This sketch invites us to consider the role of women and children in a rapidly changing industrial society. The woman’s burdened posture and the child's clinging presence speak to the challenges faced by working mothers. We might reflect on the societal expectations placed on women to be both caregivers and contributors to the workforce, often without adequate support or resources. The simple medium allows for an emotional connection with the subjects, emphasizing their humanity beyond social status. Steinlen’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and social consciousness in art, as it reflects and shapes societal perceptions of marginalized groups.