Theophile Steinlen Research Paper

The dawning of the 19th century was monumental and marked an important turning point throughout cultures around the world. Along with the rise of industrial power and urbanization of the continents, there was another aspect of culture that progressed immensely. This was the art aspect of cultures. Society as a whole progressed with new inventions such as the steam locomotive and “Coca-Cola”, meanwhile artists were also progressing in art through styles, techniques and influences. The 19th century was the launch of the art movements known as Romanticism, Neoclassicism, and Impressionism. One artist that was influenced by the changes in this time period was Théophile Steinlen. Théophile Steinlen was born in a city of the French speaking part of Switzerland called Lausanne. Steinlen studied at the University of Lausanne before taking a job at a textile mill as a designer trainee. In Steinlen’s early twenties he was still in …show more content…
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