Accommodation Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a scene unfolding within what appears to be a grand entrance hall or lobby. Two men dominate the foreground; their interaction is central to the composition. The man on the left, turned away from the viewer, extends his hand towards the other figure. He wears a tall top hat and a long coat, suggesting a degree of formality or perhaps social standing. His posture conveys an air of deference or request.
The second man, positioned slightly to the right, is facing the first. He holds a walking stick and is clad in a similarly formal overcoat and a bowler hat. His expression, though difficult to discern precisely due to the drawing style, seems somewhat stern or reserved. The gesture he makes with his hand – a slight raising of it – could be interpreted as an indication of reluctance or a conditional agreement.
Behind these two figures, several other men are visible in the background, also dressed formally and wearing hats. They appear to be observing the interaction between the foregrounded individuals, contributing to a sense of public scrutiny or witnessing. The architectural setting is rendered with vertical lines suggesting pillars or columns, reinforcing the impression of an institutional or official space.
A handwritten inscription at the top provides additional context: 4 oclock - to leave I wish at top of Block. This note suggests a time constraint and implies that one of the men is requesting something related to departure from a building. The phrase “I wish” introduces a layer of politeness or formality to the request, further emphasizing the social dynamics at play.
The drawing’s style – characterized by loose lines and shading – creates a sense of immediacy and perhaps even caricature. It avoids detailed realism, instead focusing on conveying the essence of the scene and the personalities of the individuals involved. The subtext likely revolves around power dynamics, requests, and the social conventions governing interactions within a formal setting. The drawing seems to comment on the subtle negotiations and unspoken rules that shape human relationships in public spaces.