Of course, the black cat is on the poster to symbolize the name of the saloon for which the poster advertised. The name of “Le Chat Noir” translates to “The Black Cat”. Although this is the most obvious reasoning for the black cat to be included on the poster, there is another cultural reasoning to it. Black cats in many cultures correspond with the idea of being misunderstood. Superstitiously, they were believed to be servants of the Devil, or aids to witches. Due to these cultural superstitions, black cats were often hunted, killed, and overall looked down upon. Likewise, some artists were also considered misfits and were looked down on. The mischievous grin of the black cat on Steinlen’s poster is a symbol of the rebellious nature of the artists that often indulged in the alcohol served at the saloon. A way of refusing the black cat as a negative icon, they made the black cat an icon of pride. Artists could be considered the black cats of their culture, but they were proud to
Of course, the black cat is on the poster to symbolize the name of the saloon for which the poster advertised. The name of “Le Chat Noir” translates to “The Black Cat”. Although this is the most obvious reasoning for the black cat to be included on the poster, there is another cultural reasoning to it. Black cats in many cultures correspond with the idea of being misunderstood. Superstitiously, they were believed to be servants of the Devil, or aids to witches. Due to these cultural superstitions, black cats were often hunted, killed, and overall looked down upon. Likewise, some artists were also considered misfits and were looked down on. The mischievous grin of the black cat on Steinlen’s poster is a symbol of the rebellious nature of the artists that often indulged in the alcohol served at the saloon. A way of refusing the black cat as a negative icon, they made the black cat an icon of pride. Artists could be considered the black cats of their culture, but they were proud to