Pierreuse 1898

This etching by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen depicts a woman, identified as a "Pierreuse," or streetwalker, rendered with a stark realism. The subtle use of shadow around her figure evokes a sense of melancholy and social alienation. Consider the motif of the "fallen woman," recurring across centuries, from biblical figures like Mary Magdalene to the heroines of tragic operas. The woman holds a walking stick which she may use as a weapon. This symbol links back to the classical staff of Hermes. Hermes, the guide of souls, traversed boundaries both physical and metaphysical, a symbol of transformation. Over time, the scepter evolved, appearing in various contexts, each embedding new layers of meaning. Here, the walking stick embodies self-reliance, and also a darker path. It hints at survival and power in marginalized existences. Steinlen masterfully touches upon the complex interplay of societal roles and individual destinies.