The Last Ambush 1894

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this lithograph titled 'The Last Ambush'. Steinlen was a Swiss-born French artist, known for his commitment to social commentary and depictions of Parisian life, particularly Montmartre. Here, Steinlen presents a stark contrast between a tender moment and impending violence. On one side, we see a couple embraced in a field, seemingly unaware of the danger lurking nearby. On the other side, a group of men, including a priest, are huddled, with one holding a knife, ready to attack. Steinlen’s lithograph captures the anxieties and tensions simmering beneath the surface of society at the turn of the century. The presence of the clergy among the ambushers is particularly unsettling, speaking volumes about the artist’s views on institutional power and morality. The emotional weight of the scene lies in the juxtaposition of love and malice, innocence and corruption. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the societies we construct.