Artwork

Little Street Singers

Little Street Singers, by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, 1902
Little Street Singers, by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, 1902

Little Street Singers is a print by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Little Street Singers is a print created by French artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen in 1902. The work is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter of Little Street Singers, as implied by the title, likely focuses on street performers, specifically singers, capturing a moment of everyday urban life during the early 20th century. The emphasis may be on the humanity or plight of these performers.

Technique & Style

While specific details on the technique used for Little Street Singers are not provided, Steinlen was known for his work in poster art and illustrations, often employing bold lines and expressive compositions. This piece may reflect similar characteristics, blending realism with the aesthetic sensibilities of the period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1902, Little Street Singers is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its acquisition by the museum at some point after its creation. Detailed provenance (ownership history) prior to its museum acquisition is not specified.

Context

Little Street Singers was produced during a time of significant urban growth and the rise of street culture as a subject in art. It may reflect the societal changes and the artist's observation of urban life in the early 20th century.

Legacy

The legacy of Little Street Singers is intertwined with Steinlen's broader contribution to early 20th-century art, particularly in capturing urban themes. Its impact would be assessed within the context of Steinlen's overall body of work and the era's artistic movements.

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.