L'Assommoir 1900

"L'Assommoir" (1900) by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen depicts a scene of Parisian life, capturing the intimate atmosphere of a bar or cafe. The work showcases Steinlen's signature style, characterized by a combination of realism and symbolism, as seen in the evocative use of color and line. The figures, dressed in everyday attire, seem to be caught in a moment of casual interaction, highlighting Steinlen's keen observation of the ordinary and the everyday. This lithograph, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Steinlen's mastery of capturing the essence of Parisian social life in the early 20th century.