Study of a Drunken Man Passing a Bank Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a figure in evident disarray, leaning heavily against what appears to be a building facade. The man is dressed formally – a dark coat and hat suggest a degree of social standing, yet his posture betrays a state of significant impairment. His stance is unsteady; the lines defining his legs are angled and uneven, conveying instability and a lack of control over his movements. He holds a handkerchief to his face, possibly attempting to conceal or mitigate some discomfort, though it also contributes to an overall impression of vulnerability.
The background reveals a simple architectural detail: the word BANK is inscribed on the wall behind him, rendered in blocky, unadorned lettering. This inscription introduces a layer of social commentary. The juxtaposition of a man clearly unable to manage himself with the institution of a bank – traditionally associated with financial stability and responsibility – creates an ironic tension. It suggests a critique of societal structures or perhaps a lament for the loss of dignity and control in the face of excess.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. The rapid, sketchy strokes contribute to the sense of immediacy and capture the fleeting nature of the moment. Theres a looseness to the execution that prioritizes conveying movement and emotion over precise anatomical representation. The vertical lines flanking the figure could be interpreted as architectural supports or perhaps symbolic representations of constraint, further emphasizing the man’s precarious position.
The composition is vertically oriented, which draws attention upwards towards the BANK inscription, reinforcing its significance within the scene. A small, almost illegible signature appears in the lower left corner, indicating authorship without demanding undue focus. Overall, the drawing conveys a poignant observation of human frailty and societal contradictions through a seemingly simple depiction of a man struggling to maintain his balance.