Low Lodging House, St. Giles's; A Study from Life, from "The Graphic," vol. 6 1872

"Low Lodging House, St. Giles's; A Study from Life," created by Sir Hubert von Herkomer in 1872, is a poignant depiction of the harsh realities of poverty in Victorian London. The black and white illustration, published in "The Graphic," captures the cramped interior of a lodging house in St. Giles, a notoriously impoverished district. Herkomer's attention to detail, from the worn furniture to the weary expressions on the faces of the inhabitants, evokes a sense of pathos and social commentary. This artwork highlights the plight of the working class and provides a glimpse into the conditions of life for many in Victorian England. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this powerful work, offering viewers a poignant reminder of the social issues that continue to resonate today.