Alexandre Théophile Steinlen (French,
1859-1923).
[WWI Soldiers And Peasants]
c1914-1918. Group
of five lithographs, each signed “St.” and two captioned in image, each
editioned in pencil and signed in coloured pencil below image, sizes range from
31.7 x 24cm to 26 x 37.3cm. Slight creases and minor discolouration overall.
Captions include “Ou est la gare de l’Est? Gare du N [east and north railway
stations].”
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. Ref Item #CL184-149
Price (AUD): $2650 the group
