Three Cats on a Sofa c. 1896

Curator: Théophile Alexandre Steinlen's drawing, "Three Cats on a Sofa," presents a cozy scene, though rendered in a somber palette. Editor: There’s something deeply evocative in the darkness of this piece; it’s as if the domestic comfort is tinged with a sense of urban alienation. Curator: Cats, of course, have long held symbolic weight. Here, their relaxed poses suggest contentment, perhaps even a subtle commentary on bourgeois domesticity. Editor: Or perhaps the cats represent the marginalized, finding refuge in the small comforts they can claim. Steinlen was known for his depictions of the Parisian underclass. Curator: That's an interesting juxtaposition. Steinlen's mastery really lies in how he captures the essence of feline grace within such simple lines. The cats' forms seem almost archetypal. Editor: Absolutely, and considering Steinlen's leftist politics, reading into the animals here to illuminate inequalities or the solace of companionship feels apt. Curator: It's a touching image, whichever lens we view it through. Editor: Indeed. Steinlen gives us a snapshot of intimacy, ripe for endless interpretation.