Theophile Alexandre STEINLEN (Théophile-Alexandre)
(1859 – 1923)
Théophile Alexandre Steinlen is a painter, engraver, illustrator, anarchist and poster artist who was naturalised French in 1901.
He began to study theology in Lausanne but changes his mind to study art in Mulhouse (a small city in France) with Schoenhaupt. In 1883, he moved out to Montmartre in Paris where he met several artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Adolphe Willette and the chansonnier Aristide Bruant. Initially he exhibited at the "Salon des Indépendants" (1893) then regularly at the "Salon des humoristes".
Steinlen was engaged in French politics, notably in the Dreyfus affair by denouncing the lies of the état-major. Very concerned by social inequalities, he depicted the working class and the peasant population's misery. He campaigned for the creation of an artist painter’s union.
He is the author of some fifty posters such as "La tournée du Chat Noir", the novel of Emile Zola "L'assommoir", advertisement for the "Lait de Vingeanne" or "Motocycles Comiot".
At the end of his career, Steinlen offered up his art to serve the First World War cause to help soldiers and victims.
Le Rêve, Académie Nationale de Musique, Ballet de E.Blau & J.Hansen, Musique de L. Gastivel
1890
SoldLes Salons de 1894, Journal des Débats
1894
SoldPL. 46 Mothu et Doria
1896
CHF 370.–
Le Journal publie Le coupable
1896
CHF 1400.–
PL. 34 Hellé, Paris
1896
SoldPL. 134 Le Coupable
1898
SoldSP. PL. 6
1898
SoldMotocycles Comiot, Paris
1899
CHF 24200.–
Journée du Poilu 1915
1915
CHF 970.–
Vente de Charité organisée au profit de l'Hopital Bénévole
1916
CHF 750.–