De zwarte vlek 1876 - 1890

Curator: This is "De zwarte vlek," or "The Black Spot," a mixed-media print, including watercolor, on paper created by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, likely between 1876 and 1890. Editor: It reminds me of a Victorian children’s book illustration. The color palette is so restrained, primarily muted pinks and blues, giving it a dreamlike quality. But what’s the narrative here? Curator: Well, Steinlen often depicted social scenes and this piece is an early example of what we might now call "narrative art." It appears to be an early cartoon sequence depicting the game of "salt on the tail," an old game where kids try to sprinkle salt on a bird's tail to catch it. We can clearly see social commentary here – even childhood games are filled with capturing. Editor: Capturing something innocent! And note the prominent black shapes beneath each figure. They seem weightier than simple shadows. There are several images showing this very solid and imposing "black spot." Almost like an indelible mark…or a premonition that something untoward will eventually happen to these children? Curator: Intriguing interpretation. Symbolically, black spots often signified illness, mortality, but within the historical and political context of Steinlen’s Paris, perhaps they serve as symbols of encroaching industrialization, poverty, or the unseen burdens carried by children of the working class? Editor: Perhaps. I'm struck by how, even in these supposedly innocent games, the artist has layered in such potent visual symbolism, all pointing toward constraint. Curator: Indeed, Steinlen regularly tackled these themes. His images often question the roles of children within rapidly changing society and social norms. Editor: I think you are spot-on, it speaks volumes about how even childhood pastimes can unknowingly reflect much larger power structures and symbolic meanings. Curator: This work allows us a view of social awareness viewed through the eyes of youth. Editor: Leaving us pondering, what might they unknowingly foreshadow for the future?