This a a major commemorative exhibition of the work of Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923), an emblematic Montmartre artist of the end of the 19th century. The exhibition pays homage to an energetic and militant artist who cannot easily be classified: Talented draftsman, printmaker, poster designer, painter and sculptor, he belongs to no school but that of freedom.

Engaged in the open criticism of the social and political iniquities of the Belle Epoque, Steinlen was a key visual witness to the militant struggles of his time, the rise of the labor unions, anarchism, socialism and working-class life, particularly in Montmartre. His powerful imagery proliferated in a democratic manner in prints and posters, magazine and newspaper illustrations as well as on canvas, becoming one of the most distinctive of late 19th century Paris.

The exhibition will focus on three aspects of his career: His involvement with the celebrated artistic cabaret, also discussed by Sylvie Koneski in the previous lecture, the Chat Noir, his portrayals of Paris society, his treatment of the modern nude but also his extraordinary images of cats, particularly Montmartre alley cats.

This a unique opportunity to discover the full breadth of the art of one the great artistic figures of Montmartre and of Belle Epoque Paris.