Painter and the Bourgeois Possibly 1862 - 1920

Charles Maurand's etching, *Painter and the Bourgeois*, depicts a scene of artistic creation and social commentary. The artwork, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, shows an artist working intently at his easel, while two bourgeois onlookers observe him with curiosity. The artist's focused concentration contrasts with the more casual, even critical, postures of the viewers, suggesting a commentary on the relationship between the artist and society. The use of etching, a technique that allows for subtle gradations of tone and detail, contributes to the artwork's evocative mood and intricate details.