Ten Assassinations for a Penny - Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

A striking lithograph by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, capturing a series of expressive, grotesque portraits that reflect the dark sensationalism of early twentieth-century urban life.

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen was a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene at the turn of the twentieth century. Known for his contributions to satirical journals and his keen observation of urban life, Steinlen often focused on the fringes of society. This work, titled Ten Assassinations for a Penny, reflects his engagement with the darker narratives prevalent in the popular press of the era. The composition presents a series of disembodied heads, each rendered with a distinct, grotesque characterisation that suggests a preoccupation with crime and the macabre. Steinlen employs a lithographic technique that allows for expressive, gestural mark-making. The varying pressure of the crayon creates a range of tones, from deep, velvety blacks to subtle grey washes. This approach gives the figures a sense of immediacy and psychological weight. The arrangement of the heads is dense, filling the frame with a claustrophobic intensity that mirrors the sensationalist nature of the subject matter. By isolating these faces, Steinlen draws attention to the individual expressions of despair, malice, and exhaustion, stripping away the context of the crime to focus on the human element. As a social commentator, Steinlen used his art to critique the public appetite for violence and the way it was commodified by the media. The title itself suggests the cheapness of life in the face of sensationalist reporting. This print is a characteristic example of his ability to blend technical skill with a biting, observational wit. It remains a stark reminder of the artist's capacity to capture the grim realities of his time through a lens of dark irony and technical precision.