Steinlen, Theophile Alexandre

Eighteen [18] Signed Lithographs; Studies from Croquis de Temps de Guerre

Paris: D'Alignan, Editeur; A. Vernant & E. Dolle, Imprimeurs, c. 1916. First Edition (One of 400 sets printed on velin). Uncommonly found complete set as issued with all eighteen [18] lithos, each is signed by the artist in pencil. Too often individual lithos have been seperated from the set for individual sale, making complete copies quite rare. 3 3/4" x 5 1/4" lithographs on velin, tipped on to 7" x 9" sheets. Croquis de Temps de Guerre ("Sketches from Wartime") is Steinlen's major World War I print portfolio. The scenes depicted take place between 1914 and 1916 and are the head and torso studies from his larger series on Serbian refugees. Included is an upper torso preliminary of the most famous of these, "La Poilue". D'Alignan was the director of the "La Guerre editions" and exclusive publisher of Steilen's work between 1915 and 1919. Steinlen was well known for his sympathetic eye in depicting the miseries of war. One can discern, even from these small, poignant drawings of face and torsos, the suffering and burdens of war on especially the mothers and children. This was originally intended to be a series of four albums, alas this is the first and only one published.

Theoophile Steilen, (1859 - 1923) was born in Switzerland. He initially studied Theology in Lausanne, a precursor to his humanitarian sentiments (as well as being a commited socialist and anarchist). He moved to Paris and in 1883 became part of the bohemian collective of Monmartre along with Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Emil Zola. He was the primary illustrator of song books for Aristide Bruant and served as the resident illustrator for the magazine "Chat Noir". When not creating art, the crew often gathered at the cabaret of the same name. HIs enduring best know creation is the "Tournee du Chat Noir" poster, the iconic black cat advertising the cabaret, which remains one of the most reproduced images in poster history. All in Very Good to Fine Condition / Title and publisher label from the original folio have been preserved on the cover of a new wrap. Now preserved in an attractive matching clam shell of brown and beige marbled paper. Item #3398

"Tout vient du peuple, tout sort du peuple et nous ne sommes que ses porte-voix. (Everything comes from the people, everything comes out of the people, and we are merely its mouthpieces)." - T. A. Steinlen.

Price: $1,950.00