Concert du Conservatoire 1916

Editor: This is Théophile Alexandre Steinlen’s "Concert du Conservatoire" from 1916, a pencil drawing with, frankly, a very haunting feel. What do you see in this piece, particularly given the historical context of its creation? Curator: It’s impossible to divorce this work from the context of World War I. Steinlen, known for his socialist leanings and depictions of Parisian working-class life, created this during a time of immense societal upheaval. Look at the faces - are they celebrating music, or finding solace from trauma? Is it possible that even art becomes a way to reflect on the political and social issues and seek healing during times of war? Editor: That makes sense. The figures do seem burdened, almost grief-stricken, even amidst this implied concert. What about the symbolism, then? I can't shake off this looming presence that reminds me of earlier symbolist works... Curator: Exactly! The symbolic element pulls this away from a straightforward depiction. The swirling lines and figures bordering on grotesque evoke a sense of unease, hinting at the darker realities of the era. Perhaps the music is a lament, a desperate attempt to hold onto beauty and civilization amid destruction. I wonder, what social groups or ideologies were validated by concerts at this time? Editor: I hadn’t considered that. So, you’re saying the piece isn’t just about the surface-level subject of music but a commentary on the anxieties and societal fractures caused by the war? Curator: Precisely. Steinlen’s work acts as a window into the cultural landscape, revealing how art served as a critical space for grappling with identity, trauma, and the crumbling structures of power during wartime. Editor: I see it so differently now. It's not just a drawing of a concert, but a reflection on war, society, and cultural resilience. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Curator: Absolutely! Recognizing art's capacity for healing or highlighting trauma provides such different ways to engage with and discuss its messages!