The Hanged Man 1850 - 1865

"The Hanged Man" is a haunting ink wash drawing by Victor Hugo, created sometime between 1850 and 1865. It depicts a solitary figure hanging from a gibbet against a stark, pale background. The figure is barely visible, but the starkness of the image creates a powerful sense of isolation and despair. The drawing is filled with dark, expressive lines and a sense of urgency. It is believed to be a powerful commentary on capital punishment, reflecting the themes of social justice and the fragility of human life that dominated Hugo's writing. The piece is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.