Study of a Woman 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this study of a woman, date unknown, with colored pencils on paper. These are humble materials, far from the traditional oil paint or bronze of fine art. Look closely at the cross-hatching that models the woman’s form. Notice the many layers of strokes, giving the drawing richness and depth. This wasn't a quick sketch, but a sustained engagement with the subject. Steinlen wasn’t just recording an image, he was also thinking through it, working out the volumes and textures with his hand. In its own way, this is an act of labor too, not unlike the woman depicted, who is likely a domestic worker. Consider the social context: Steinlen was active at a time of great upheaval and inequality, and often depicted the lives of working-class people in Paris. By using accessible materials and investing time and attention in his craft, Steinlen elevates the everyday and asks us to see the beauty and dignity in ordinary lives. The drawing underscores that artistic value is rooted in both process and subject, not just the choice of materials.