Le Refrain de Maigriou 

This is Théophile Alexandre Steinlen's cover for Aristide Bruant's sheet music, "Le Refrain de Maigriou". It was made using lithography, a printmaking technique that allowed for mass production of images. The rough texture and tonal range are determined by the lithographic process: the artist drew directly onto a stone or metal plate, and the image was then transferred to paper using oil-based inks. What's interesting here is the way that Steinlen uses this relatively new printing technology to represent older forms of sociability, such as the smoky cabaret interior that he depicts. The image features a black cat as a mascot for Le Chat Noir cabaret, a potent symbol in Bohemian culture, embodying the subversive spirit of the artistic community. The lithographic technique enabled Steinlen to capture the essence of Montmartre's vibrant nightlife and to disseminate it widely, bringing a taste of artistic life to a broader audience. It’s a reminder that even mass-produced images can be powerful cultural artifacts.