"A Reproof" 1870 - 1891

Charles Samuel Keene created "A Reproof" with pen and brown ink over graphite on paper. The initial impression is one of contrasting figures set within a loosely defined landscape, rendered with expressive, gestural strokes. Keene employs line and form to suggest a narrative tension. The hunter, seen from the back, confronts a younger figure whose stance and gesture imply a state of protest. Through the use of hatching and variable line weights, Keene articulates the textures of clothing and foliage, constructing a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space. The composition suggests not merely a scene, but an engagement, hinting at underlying social or personal dynamics. The sketch format, typical of the period, invites consideration of how fleeting moments are captured and given structure through artistic intervention. Keene's strategic use of blank space draws attention to the outlined figures, emphasizing the relationship between the individuals as pivotal.