Portrait de Mme Bjornsson Langen 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen rendered this portrait using traditional materials: a combination of subtle colored chalks on paper. Although it's a drawing, it has the presence of a sculpture. The texture of the paper is crucial, providing a tooth for the chalk to grab onto, and allowing Steinlen to build up layers of tone. He coaxes out the solid form of the sitter from a blank surface, and brings the portrait to life by varying the pressure of his strokes. The evenness of the light suggests that the artist was working in a studio, perhaps alongside other artists, all hoping to earn their living through image-making. Steinlen was very prolific in his time, making many prints and posters. While we might consider this to be a work of fine art, it is important to remember that Steinlen was a working artist, who employed his skills to make a living and comment on the world around him. Recognizing the value of craft reminds us that art is not separate from everyday life.