Who painted L'Ennemi du peuple?

L'Ennemi du peuple was painted by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen in 1899.

Where can I see L'Ennemi du peuple?

L'Ennemi du peuple is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is L'Ennemi du peuple?

L'Ennemi du peuple is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

L'Ennemi du peuple

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen , 1899

L'Ennemi du peuple is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The text on the right side lists names and a date—February 18, 1899—along with a note about a talk before a play called *L'Ennemi du peuple*.

This sketch shows a man in a suit standing on a stage, holding a paper. Behind him, a crowd of people is packed tightly together, looking upward. The background is dark and busy, with faces blurred into a swarm.

The text on the right side lists names and a date—February 18, 1899—along with a note about a talk before a play called *L'Ennemi du peuple*. The sketch feels urgent, like a protest or a big announcement.

If you like this style, check out lithography to see how artists create prints like this.

Overview

L'Ennemi du peuple is a 1899 lithograph by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, a Swiss-born French artist associated with the Art Nouveau movement. The work is executed in black on light brown wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a suited figure on a stage, holding a paper, addressing a densely packed crowd. The scene is set against a dark, agitated background with blurred faces. The image is accompanied by a text listing names, a date, and a reference to a talk preceding a performance of a play with the same title.

Technique & Style

Steinlen employed lithography, a medium conducive to producing widely circulated images, to create L'Ennemi du peuple. The technique allowed for accessible dissemination of his work, aligning with his involvement in radical publications and socialist circles.

Context

The artwork reflects Steinlen's engagement with anarchist and socialist movements. Created in 1899, it likely relates to the artist's contributions to radical publications and his active participation in left-wing circles during this period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (November 10, 1859 – December 13, 1923), was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker. He was politically engaged and collaborated with the anarchist and socialist press.