Life Boat Full of Women n.d.

Charles Samuel Keene's "Life Boat Full of Women," a pen and ink drawing housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a lifeboat filled with women in a dramatic scene. Keene, a prolific British illustrator, was known for his witty social commentary often conveyed through his illustrations. The drawing's subject matter, a lifeboat, suggests a moment of peril. It is unclear if this is a fictional scene, or an event inspired by a real news event. The composition captures the scene of a small group of people frantically trying to climb into a lifeboat. The contrasting scene of the crowded lifeboat makes for an impactful statement on a topic that was undoubtedly relevant to Keene's audience. The artwork's small scale, measuring only 109 × 280 mm, further amplifies the intensity of the depicted event.