Alexandre Théophile Steinlen (Fr.,
1859-1923).
Prière Marmitale (Prayer Over The Soup Pot)
1894. Lithograph on
chine-collé, titled and signed in image upper and lower centre, annotated “57”
and signed in pencil in lower margin, 26 x 18.7cm. Slight foxing to margins.
State i/ii, from an edition of 100. Published by Kleinmann. Ref: Crauzat #440. Ref Item #CL168-133
A major artist of
the French Art Nouveau era, Swiss-born Steinlen was mainly self-taught. In
Paris he established himself as a leading illustrator of popular journals. He
also contributed a large amount of drawings and lithographs to radical press
publications, often using pseudonyms such as ‘Treelan’ and ‘Pierre’ to avoid
political repercussions. In the 1890’s Steinlen’s use of line and design led to
some of the most famous posters of the Art Nouveau movement, including Tournee
du Chat Noir (1896).
The majority of his art continued to explore the hardships of the poor and humble. Known as “the Millet of the Streets”, Steinlen had a vast influence. Among other artists both Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso paid direct homage to his art. Ref: University of Illinois Library, USA.
Price (AUD): $1650