Frontispiece: The Dregs of Society (Las bas-fonds de la societe)

Félicien Rops

National Gallery of Art

This image features a central figure surrounded by various smaller scenes. The central image is of a large book or banner with the text "Bas-Fonds de la Société par Joseph Prud'homme Photographe à Paris," adorned with a jester or symbolic figure. Around this centerpiece, there are several smaller vignettes depicting a variety of scenes, including interactions among people. At the top, rays of light extend from a set of hands holding a glowing orb. The bottom center features a depiction of a seated figure with the word "Vérité" inscribed on a block beneath it. Each vignette varies in content, showing pairs of individuals engaged in conversation, intimate settings, or comical or allegorical scenes.