La Catastrophe 1907

"La Catastrophe" is a powerful charcoal drawing by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, a French artist known for his depictions of Parisian life and social issues. Created in 1907, the piece captures a scene of urban chaos and despair. It features a densely packed crowd of people, their faces obscured by the shadows, suggesting a sense of anonymity and shared suffering. The use of charcoal creates a stark and dramatic contrast, enhancing the emotional intensity of the scene. The composition is tightly packed, with figures overlapping and pushing against each other, further emphasizing the feeling of claustrophobia and desperation.