Au Bistrot 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen likely made this ink and crayon drawing, Au Bistrot, in France. The image offers us a snapshot of Parisian life, possibly capturing a scene in Montmartre, where Steinlen lived. The drawing's characters – working-class individuals, families, and children – reflect Steinlen's frequent focus on the lives of ordinary people. His illustrations often appeared in journals such as Le Chat Noir, a publication known for its social and political commentary. In this context, we might interpret the scene as a reflection on the communal aspect of Parisian working-class culture, where bistros served as social hubs. To understand Steinlen's work, we need to consider the social and political landscape of late 19th-century France, marked by industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of socialist and anarchist movements. By researching these cultural factors, we can begin to explore how Steinlen's art both reflected and engaged with the social issues of his time.