Military Allocation 1915

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this lithograph, Military Allocation, in 1915. The medium itself, lithography, is crucial to understanding the artwork. It is a printmaking technique that allows for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making it an ideal medium for social commentary. The artist uses the grainy texture of the lithographic crayon to capture the somber mood of the scene. Look closely and you’ll see a crowd of women, likely waiting for news of their husbands or sons during World War I. The lines are dense and heavy, mirroring the emotional weight of the situation. This emphasis on texture and tonal range provides an immediate sense of the hardship and anxiety that these women are enduring. The choice of lithography speaks to Steinlen's intention to reach a wide audience, bypassing traditional fine art circles. It allowed for distribution in newspapers and magazines, bringing visibility to the toll that war took on everyday people. By focusing on material, making, and context, we can fully appreciate Steinlen's powerful commentary on social issues.