Drypoint Signed In Pencil “théophile-alexandre Steinlen” 1915

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923)

Drypoint engraving, signed in the plate, dated 1915, a signature in pencil also in the margin. Perfect condition
Format sheet 42x62 
Format engraving 37x54 

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen studied theology at the University of Lausanne for two years, then, in 1879, turned to art.

In 1881 he moved to Paris with his wife Émilie Living since 1883 on the Montmartre hill, Steinlen quickly got to know the artistic personalities who gravitated there and frequented the cabaret of "Le Chat noir. He befriended Aristide Bruant and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

He exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants in 1893, then regularly at the Salon des humoristes. Opponent of injustice, compassionate towards the poor, then numerous in Montmartre, Steinlen depicted scenes of the street, factories, the mine, depicting beggars, workers in misery, ragged kids and prostitutes.

Steinlen is also the specialist of cats, which he draws tirelessly, in all their fantasy, playful, asleep or in anger. He prefers drawing and pastel to depict daily life in the street and also develops a large engraved work. But it is above all his posters which, like that of the Black Cat Tour, are at the origin of her popularity. He is one of the greatest poster designers and illustrators of the late 19th century and early 20th century.