Study for Punch, Volume 90 Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a chaotic accumulation of figures beneath bold lettering. The text PUNCH VOLUME 90 dominates the composition, rendered in large, emphatic capitals that appear slightly tilted and unevenly spaced, suggesting a deliberate disregard for formal precision. Below this title, a dense throng of men’s heads are crammed together, their faces largely obscured by the shadows cast from the left. Each head is delineated with quick, energetic lines, creating an impression of hurried execution and conveying a sense of overwhelming numbers.
The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques to model the forms, giving them a three-dimensional quality despite the limited detail visible in each face. The heads are tilted at various angles, some appearing to peer out from the mass while others seem to be turned away or lost within the crowd. A few figures display exaggerated features – one appears to have an elongated nose and another a prominent chin – hinting at caricature and satirical intent.
The overall effect is one of claustrophobia and disarray. The tightly packed heads suggest a sense of confinement, perhaps representing a societal gathering or political assembly where individual identities are subsumed within the collective. The lack of distinct facial expressions contributes to an atmosphere of anonymity and potentially, discontent.
A small sketch of a bird appears in the upper left corner, seemingly unrelated to the central scene but possibly serving as a compositional element or a playful addition. A handwritten note is visible on the right side of the drawing; its legibility is limited, but it seems to contain a brief comment regarding the work’s execution.
The drawings unfinished quality – the rough lines and lack of refinement – suggests that this is a preparatory study for a larger publication or print. It offers insight into the artist’s process, revealing how he explored composition and form before finalizing the image for reproduction. The subtext likely revolves around themes of societal pressure, anonymity within large groups, and perhaps a critique of contemporary political or social dynamics – all conveyed through the visual language of caricature and crowded assembly.