A satirical lithograph by Félix Vallotton, originally published in L'Assiette au Beurre in 1904, featuring his signature bold lines and graphic style.

This work by Félix Vallotton appeared in the French satirical weekly magazine L'Assiette au Beurre in 1904. The publication was known for its biting social commentary and its use of high-quality lithographic illustrations. Vallotton, a member of the Nabis group, applied his characteristic graphic style to this scene, which depicts a chaotic moment in a butcher shop. The composition is defined by bold, black outlines and a flat application of colour, a technique that reflects the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on his practice. The scene captures a man in a state of alarm, gesturing towards a cutlet that is being taken. Behind him, a figure appears to be involved in the theft. The background features rows of hanging meat, rendered with minimal detail to maintain the focus on the central action. Vallotton uses a limited palette, allowing the stark contrast between the dark figures and the lighter background to create a sense of urgency. The inclusion of the artist's initials, FV, in the bottom corner confirms his authorship of this specific plate. Vallotton was a prolific printmaker, and his contributions to periodicals like L'Assiette au Beurre allowed him to reach a wider audience beyond the gallery circuit. His work often explored the tensions of modern life, frequently employing irony and dark humour. This particular print demonstrates his ability to distil complex social interactions into a single, graphic image. The lack of shading and the emphasis on silhouette are hallmarks of his approach, which prioritised clarity and visual impact over traditional modelling. This print serves as an example of the intersection between fine art and mass-market publishing during the early twentieth century, where artists used their skills to comment on the daily struggles and absurdities of urban existence.