A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a scene populated by men gathered around what appears to be a notice board or bulletin. The composition is dominated by figures rendered in a rapid, sketchy style, suggesting immediacy and perhaps a fleeting observation. A sense of urban life is conveyed through the attire of the individuals; they are dressed in formal coats, hats, and trousers, indicative of a middle-class or professional demographic.
The arrangement of the men is significant. Three figures stand prominently in the foreground, their attention directed towards the board. The man closest to the viewer leans forward intently, his posture suggesting curiosity or concern. Behind him, two other men follow his gaze, creating a visual line that leads directly to the information displayed on the notice board. A fourth figure stands further back, partially obscured by the others, seemingly observing the scene with less engagement.
To the left of the group, a dense cluster of figures is suggested through quick, overlapping lines, hinting at a larger crowd or gathering beyond those immediately visible. The background itself is indistinct, composed of scribbled marks that evoke a sense of urban clutter and anonymity. A small detail – a cane held by one of the men – adds a touch of individuality to his portrayal.
The notice board itself holds textual information which remains illegible due to the drawing’s style; however, its presence serves as the focal point of the scene, implying that it contains news or announcements of importance to those gathered around it. The overall effect is one of quiet observation and subtle social commentary. It seems to depict a moment of collective attention in an urban setting, hinting at themes of public information, societal engagement, and perhaps even underlying anxieties or uncertainties conveyed through the men’s postures and expressions. The drawings loose execution contributes to a feeling of spontaneity and candidness, as if capturing a slice of everyday life without artifice.