Increased urbanization in the 19^th century, particularly in Paris, brought more people together than ever before. And yet, despite this, many people felt just as isolated as ever. On the one hand, the average person’s days were spent surrounded by other people and human connections seemed easy to make. On the other hand, it had never been more difficult to trust another human, with increased crime and a wide variety of vices in which to engage that were not available to people before their moves to the city.

Degas’ painting serves as a warning against certain types of lifestyles in 19^th century Paris and a reminder of just how isolated one can feel buried in the middle of a crowd. Sprawled inside a bar in the middle of Paris, a man and a woman sit with vapid stares on their faces. Their minds have been deadened by absinthe. The terms of isolation have changed from earlier in the century. For one, they sit in the world’s most thriving metropolis. But even more than that, they have each other’s company. And yet, despite this, the sallow, pathetic looks on their faces tell a much different story. It is clear from their expressions that they are lost in their own depressing worlds.