French, 1859-1923.

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker. Early in his career, he became interested in publications as a democratic dissemination of art to challenge hierarchies. Steinlen is known for his politically-driven works and as a staunch supporter of working-class rights. Though he was always concerned with depicting the poorer and darker side of society, World War I changed Steinlen’s focus to the human effects of war, including soldiers but also women, children, displaced people and others. He was not as interested in depicting battle scenes and glories of war but rather the destruction of all people as a byproduct of war. Steinlen’s work was exhibited extensively in Paris during his lifetime and is now included in the collections of many major institutions.