Le Coteau 1914

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made "Le Coteau" with an etching technique that's all about line and tone. The way Steinlen etches these curving lines, like in the lower field, it’s almost sculptural. You can see the physicality of his process; how he dug into the plate. The road, snaking up to the village, is a marvel. It feels like it's illuminated from within, creating a focal point that draws your eye, and suggests a journey. This piece makes me think of other printmakers, like Whistler, who were also exploring the tonal possibilities of etching. But Steinlen has a grit, a directness, that feels very of-the-earth. Ultimately, art isn’t about one right answer, but a multitude of interpretations, an ongoing dialogue.