The Foundling c. 1910

"The Foundling," a charcoal drawing by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen from around 1910, depicts a baby lying on its back, swaddled in blankets. The baby's face, with its open mouth, is drawn in expressive detail, conveying vulnerability. Steinlen, a renowned French artist, was known for his social commentary and depictions of Parisian life. This drawing, with its poignant subject matter, likely reflects his interest in the plight of the less fortunate in society. The image evokes a sense of abandonment and the fragility of life, with a simple but powerful composition. This work is now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.