Rictus de Face 

This is Théophile Alexandre Steinlen’s etching titled "Rictus de Face." Steinlen was deeply embedded in the Parisian art scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by rapid social change and artistic innovation. He was known for his illustrations and posters, especially those depicting the lives of the working class. This portrait captures a sense of the individual amid the broader social context. The sitter's gaze, direct yet weary, invites us to consider the personal narratives of those often unseen. The term "rictus" suggests a fixed or strained smile, hinting at the emotional complexities beneath the surface. Steinlen’s portrait departs from idealized representations, instead providing a glimpse into the raw and unvarnished realities of human experience. Steinlen’s "Rictus de Face" reminds us of the importance of empathy and recognition, especially when confronting the difficult aspects of our shared history.