Employment Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a scene of urban labor and interaction. Here we observe two men engaged in what appears to be a discussion or transaction; one gestures with his hand while the other leans on a walking stick, his expression seemingly serious or contemplative. They are positioned centrally within the composition, immediately drawing the viewers attention.
Around them, a crowd of figures is sketched with looser lines and less detail, suggesting a bustling environment – likely an outdoor marketplace or public space where employment opportunities might be sought. The men in the background wear hats, contributing to a sense of anonymity and blending into the general populace. Their postures are varied; some appear to observe the central interaction while others seem preoccupied with their own affairs.
The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variation, defining form and adding texture to the clothing and figures. The lines are energetic and somewhat rough, conveying a sense of immediacy and capturing the dynamism of the scene. There is an intentional lack of refinement; details are suggested rather than meticulously rendered, which contributes to the impression of a fleeting moment captured in time.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of economic dependence and social interaction within an urban setting. The central figures’ engagement suggests a power dynamic – perhaps one man offering work or assessing a potential employee. The surrounding crowd underscores the precariousness of employment and the constant search for opportunity that characterized industrializing societies. The overall effect is not celebratory but rather observational, presenting a slice of life with a quiet dignity. The sketch seems to be less about individual portraits and more about documenting a social phenomenon – the everyday reality of seeking and providing labor.