Cocorico 1899

Editor: So, this is Thèophile Alexandre Steinlen's "Cocorico," a lithograph from 1899. It’s a striking image – just this enormous rooster crowing, its form partially merging with what seems to be text and names. There’s an intensity, an almost aggressive announcement about it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, immediately, I'm drawn to the political undertones of the piece, situated within the societal structures of late 19th century France. Roosters were often used as symbols of France itself. Considering the period – the aftermath of the Dreyfus Affair and growing social unrest – one could interpret the rooster's crow as a defiant call to action. Editor: A call to action? I was mainly just seeing an advertisement. Curator: And it functions as that, of course, as a poster! But what’s being advertised? We see Steinlen's name amongst a list of artists and writers associated with the journal "Cocorico." Knowing Steinlen’s history of working with anarchist publications, do you think it's just happenstance, or perhaps he intentionally employed his skills for a project aligning with his beliefs? Editor: So you’re suggesting that the rooster isn’t just a symbol of France but a symbol of…rebellion through art? That makes me think about the artists included and the impact of art and intellectual journals. Curator: Precisely. It challenges the viewers of the time, inviting reflection on contemporary politics and societal imbalances. Consider the Art Nouveau style itself; often seen as ornamental, yet it was deeply intertwined with socialist and utopian ideals. Could "Cocorico" have operated as an avenue for those very sentiments? Editor: Wow, I hadn't considered that the art style could also have its own context within the artwork's cultural milieu. Curator: It's crucial to delve deeper to understand any artwork; examining the socio-political framework unveils the intentions buried within symbolism and artistic practice, changing our perception. It goes to show what seems aesthetically-minded can actually be steeped in purpose.