For the Third Time of Asking Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a scene unfolding within what appears to be an office or study environment. A younger man stands facing an older gentleman seated on a chair. The younger figure is formally attired in a suit and top hat, holding several documents or papers close to his chest. His posture suggests eagerness, perhaps even a degree of anxiety, as he presents the materials.
The older man occupies the visual center of the composition. He sits with an air of weary resignation, one leg crossed over the other, leaning back in his chair. The lines used to depict him convey age and fatigue; his face is etched with wrinkles, and his expression seems distant or preoccupied. A partially obscured figure can be seen through a doorway behind him, adding depth to the space but remaining indistinct.
A large sheet of paper affixed to the wall behind the younger man contains text that is illegible in detail, yet its presence suggests official documentation or correspondence. The overall tonal range is limited, relying on variations in line density to create form and shadow. This contributes to a sense of immediacy and sketch-like quality.
Subtly, the drawing seems to comment on power dynamics and bureaucratic processes. The younger man’s formal attire and earnest presentation contrast sharply with the older mans relaxed, almost dismissive posture. It implies a request or petition being made, one that may be met with reluctance or indifference. The obscured figure in the background hints at an institutional context, reinforcing the impression of a hierarchical structure. The drawing doesnt offer a narrative resolution; instead, it captures a moment of interaction laden with unspoken tensions and potential frustration.