Pours Les Refugies de la Meuse 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing, "Pour Les Refugies de la Meuse," using graphite on paper. The use of graphite allows for quick, fluid lines, capturing the immediacy of the scene, with the soft gray tones creating a sense of somberness. Steinlen's choice of this medium emphasizes the urgency of the subject matter: refugees fleeing the Meuse region. The sketch-like quality underscores the chaotic reality of displacement, the fast and often brutal upheaval of war. We can see that the artist is not interested in portraying the refugees as perfect, but rather as human beings caught in a difficult situation. The marks are raw, scratchy, and vulnerable, which are qualities of the materials and processes utilized. The work's social significance lies in its depiction of human suffering during wartime. Steinlen likely created this drawing with the intention of raising awareness and support for the refugees, using his artistic skill to engage with pressing social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, as well as empathy. This piece challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, as it serves a practical purpose while demonstrating artistic skill.