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Steinlen Cats
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859 – 1923), one of the greatest illustrators of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, but moved permanently to Paris at the age of 23 and became a French citizen.
In addition to posters, song sheets, etchings, murals, and book illustrations, Steinlen did drawings for over 30 magazines, some of which he founded. A politically liberal Montmarte bohemian, he faithfully portrayed all aspects of Parisian life, but gave special attention to the everyday joys and sorrows of working people.
Perhaps no other sector of Steinlen's art is as strongly associated with his name today as his studies of cats. He never ceased to draw them in all their activities and moods. Cats figure prominently in some of his most famous works, such as his great poster "Pure Sterilized Milk from the Vingeanne."
The cat drawing in the present volume are reproduced from two rare volumes: a 1933 collection of previously unpublished animal drawings (Chats et autres bêtes, published in an edition of only 545 copies), and a turn-of-the-century album of picture stories without words (Des chats).
In addition to posters, song sheets, etchings, murals, and book illustrations, Steinlen did drawings for over 30 magazines, some of which he founded. A politically liberal Montmarte bohemian, he faithfully portrayed all aspects of Parisian life, but gave special attention to the everyday joys and sorrows of working people.
Perhaps no other sector of Steinlen's art is as strongly associated with his name today as his studies of cats. He never ceased to draw them in all their activities and moods. Cats figure prominently in some of his most famous works, such as his great poster "Pure Sterilized Milk from the Vingeanne."
The cat drawing in the present volume are reproduced from two rare volumes: a 1933 collection of previously unpublished animal drawings (Chats et autres bêtes, published in an edition of only 545 copies), and a turn-of-the-century album of picture stories without words (Des chats).
48 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1980
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About the author
Théophile Alexandre Steinlen
36 booksThéophile Alexandre Steinlen was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker.
Steinlen studied at the University of Lausanne before taking a job as a designer trainee at a textile mill in Mulhouse in eastern France. In his early twenties he was still developing his skills as a painter when he and his new wife were encouraged by the painter François Bocion to move to the artistic community in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris. Once there, Steinlen was befriended by the painter Adolphe Willette who introduced him to the artistic crowd at Le Chat Noir that led to his commissions to do poster art for the cabaret owner/entertainer, Aristide Bruant and other commercial enterprises.
Steinlen studied at the University of Lausanne before taking a job as a designer trainee at a textile mill in Mulhouse in eastern France. In his early twenties he was still developing his skills as a painter when he and his new wife were encouraged by the painter François Bocion to move to the artistic community in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris. Once there, Steinlen was befriended by the painter Adolphe Willette who introduced him to the artistic crowd at Le Chat Noir that led to his commissions to do poster art for the cabaret owner/entertainer, Aristide Bruant and other commercial enterprises.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2022
This book is simply a wonderful collection, a testimony of the observant eye and talented hand of a beloved illustrator from the beginning of the 20th century. As a person who lived with cats and had the privilege to observe them in various contexts, I can only appreciate how dynamic and realistic this collection is. Some instances reveal cats' simply fantastic behavior that only someone genuinely intimate with these beasts can observe.
June 11, 2018
Charming.
December 2, 2018
If you like Steinlen's drawings and posters, you'll love this little book.
May 11, 2019
Lots of great drawings by Steinlen, but not an exhaustive collection of his work.
February 8, 2023
Beautiful illustrations that perfectly capture the majesty and goofiness of our feline companions. This collection of drawings is sure to bring a smile to the face of any cat lover.
May 31, 2025
Really cool drawings of cats. Thank you.
October 14, 2015
Actually there wasn't much to read - just drawings of cats. I was looking for something about the history of some of Steinlen's cat posters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews