In the Kitchen Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a domestic scene unfolding within what appears to be a kitchen setting. Here we observe two women engaged in conversation; one is dressed in the attire of a cook or housekeeper, while the other wears a more formal gown and head covering. The cook stands centrally, her posture suggesting attentiveness as she addresses the formally-dressed woman. Her apron is detailed with folds and creases, indicating a life spent in service.
The second woman, positioned slightly to the right, appears to be of higher social standing. She holds what seems to be a small object or letter in her hand, her gaze directed towards it rather than fully engaged with the cook. The elaborate nature of her dress – the high collar and long sleeves – further reinforces this distinction. A partially obscured figure stands behind her, veiled and indistinct, adding an element of mystery to the composition.
The background is rendered with a looser style, suggesting shelves filled with kitchenware and possibly food items. This lack of detail directs focus towards the interaction between the two women. The artist employed hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create tonal variations and define form, lending depth and texture to the figures.
Subtleties within the drawing hint at a power dynamic inherent in the scene. The cook’s posture conveys respect or perhaps deference, while the formally dressed womans distracted gaze suggests a detachment from the domestic sphere. The veiled figure introduces an element of intrigue – perhaps a relative or another member of the household whose presence is felt but not fully revealed. Overall, the drawing captures a moment of interaction within a hierarchical social structure, offering a glimpse into the complexities of class and service in a bygone era.