| Theophile Alexandre Steinlen: A major artist of the French Art Nouveau era, Theophile Alexandre Steinlen came to Paris from his native Switzerland at the age of twenty. Mainly self-taught, he quickly established himself as a leading illustrator of popular journals such as Le Rire. He also contributed a large amount of drawings and lithographs to the radical press publications, Pere Peinard, Les Temps Nouveaux and La Chambard. In order to avoid political repercussions for some of his art dealing with strong social content he often employed pseudonyms such as, Treelan and Pierre.
In the 1890s Steinlens wonderful use of line and design led to some of the most famous posters of the Art Nouveau movement. These include, Tournee du Chat Noir (1896), La Rue (1896) and Lait pur Sterilise (1894). Yet the majority of his art continued to explore the life of the poor and humble. Known as the Millet of the Streets, Steinlens influence was vast. Among other artists both Toulouse-Lautrec and the young Picasso paid direct homage to his art.
In total, Steinlen created 382 original lithographs and 115 etchings. Like Toulouse-Lautrec, Steinlen contributed some original lithographs to publishers of popular songs who would use them as cover art for their sheet music. La Joueuse dOrgue was a popular song with music by Doria-Ponchin and lyrics by Archille Bloch. Before the publication of the music a small number of impressions were struck with the title only and without the names of the composers. |
