Thunder Storm (Temps d'orage) 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this evocative scene, ‘Thunder Storm’, using etching to capture a fleeting moment in nature. The artwork presents a landscape dominated by an ominous sky, where dense, swirling clouds gather, pierced by rays of light breaking through. The composition is strikingly divided between the turbulent sky and the flat plane of the earth, where a solitary figure walks along a path. Steinlen uses line and texture to create a sense of atmospheric drama. The diagonal lines of the rain contrast with the horizontal lines of the fields, creating a dynamic tension. The figure walking into the distance creates a focal point but also gives a sense of scale and the vulnerability of humanity against nature's power. The overall effect is one of transience and temporality. The way Steinlen uses the etching technique to create a range of tonal values from the darkness of the clouds to the brightness of the light is remarkable. It’s a powerful reminder of the forces constantly shaping our world.