Artwork

Gil Blas Illustré: Une Curiosité, par Alexandre Hepp

Gil Blas Illustré: Une Curiosité, par Alexandre Hepp, by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, 1897
Gil Blas Illustré: Une Curiosité, par Alexandre Hepp, by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, 1897

Gil Blas Illustré: Une Curiosité, par Alexandre Hepp is a print by the Impressionist artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created *Gil Blas Illustré: Une Curiosité* in 1897. The work is a print now in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two figures in a dimly lit room. One, prominently wearing a large hat and carrying a bundle of sticks, dominates the foreground, while the other sits obscured in the background with a low-pulled hat. The scene's portrayal may contain satirical elements, potentially commenting on contemporary attire or behavior.

Technique & Style

Characterized by rough lines and muted color palette with accents of red and brown, the work exhibits a hurried, sketch-like quality. The emphasis on everyday life aligns with Realist tendencies.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897 by Steinlen, the print is currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

The title *Une Curiosité* (A Curiosity) suggests the artist's intent to highlight the unusual or ironic in the depicted scene, inviting viewer interpretation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.