Artwork
The Big Sister (La Grande Soeur)
The Big Sister (La Grande Soeur) is a print by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1913 by French artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, The Big Sister (La Grande Soeur) is a print that resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a modest domestic scene rendered in a restrained palette, emphasizing the quiet interaction between the figures.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a woman standing to the right, cradling a child in her arms. She wears a long dress, her hair pulled back, and gazes tenderly at the infant, who looks up at her. A small dog lies on the floor nearby, adding a subtle note of everyday companionship. The overall mood is intimate and contemplative.
Technique & Style
Steinlen employed the print medium, likely woodcut or lithography, to achieve bold outlines and flat areas of tone. The background is rendered in a plain, light hue that isolates the figures, allowing the viewer to focus on the subtle gestures and expressions that convey affection.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the early twentieth century, a period when Steinlen was active in Parisian artistic circles. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection at an unspecified date, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s holdings of early modern prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
