Gamlinge 1859 - 1923

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made "Gamlinge" using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The artist would have drawn directly onto a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon or ink. The stark contrast in the image – achieved through careful mark-making – captures a fleeting moment between two working-class individuals. The lithographic process, with its capacity for producing multiple impressions, democratized art, making it accessible to a broader audience. Steinlen skillfully exploits the medium to convey social realities, highlighting the labor and lives of ordinary people. The very act of printing allowed artists like Steinlen to engage with mass culture, blurring the lines between fine art and popular illustration. By focusing on materials, making, and the social context, we can understand the full meaning of the artwork.