Femmes Sur Le Marche 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen captured this lively scene of "Femmes Sur Le Marche" with crayon on paper. Observe the open mouths of the figures. This expression is a powerful symbol of commerce, where vendors compete for attention. The act of calling out, of making oneself heard amidst the throng, is not merely transactional; it's deeply rooted in our collective memory. Think of ancient marketplaces, town criers, and even religious orators—all using their voices to convey messages, to persuade, to connect. The open mouth is also a symbol of raw emotion. From Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” to the ecstatic expressions in Bernini’s sculptures, the open mouth signifies a moment of intense psychological release. The figures here aren't just selling goods; they are expressing their vitality, their struggle, and their presence. This primal act transcends time, reappearing in different contexts, evolving yet retaining its core intensity. The cyclical nature of these symbols reminds us that history is not linear. It is a continuous, evolving narrative, where the past constantly informs the present.