Galerie Dewambez - Théophile Steinlen

A 1909 lithographic exhibition poster by Théophile Steinlen, featuring a woman walking through a rainy Parisian street.

This lithographic poster by Théophile Steinlen advertises the first exhibition of the Société des Peintres et Graveurs de Paris, held at the Galerie Dewambez in 1909. Steinlen, a Swiss-born artist who spent his career in the Montmartre district of Paris, was a master of the lithographic medium. His work often captured the social realities of urban life, frequently depicting working-class figures with a sympathetic eye.

The composition is divided into two distinct sections. On the left, a young woman walks through a rain-slicked Parisian street, carrying a basket of flowers. Her posture is dynamic, suggesting movement against the backdrop of a blurred, wet pavement. The lines are energetic and expressive, characteristic of Steinlen's draftsmanship. On the right, the text provides the exhibition details, including the location at 43 Boulevard Malesherbes and the list of participating artists. The typography is clean and functional, typical of the period's commercial design.

Steinlen's ability to balance atmospheric narrative with clear informational requirements made him a sought-after poster artist. This piece reflects the aesthetic of the Belle Époque, where fine art and commercial advertising began to merge. The contrast between the dark, moody figure and the stark white space of the text creates a visual tension that draws the viewer in. The work serves as a record of the artistic climate in early twentieth-century Paris, documenting the collaborative efforts of the Société des Peintres et Graveurs. By choosing a street scene as the primary image, Steinlen grounds the exhibition in the everyday life of the city, rather than isolating it within the gallery walls. The print captures the essence of Parisian street life, rendered with the technical precision of a seasoned printmaker.