Le Marchand de Sable 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created ‘Le Marchand de Sable’ as a lithographic print, deploying techniques intimately connected to the rise of mass media. The process begins with an image drawn on a flat stone with a greasy crayon. This is then treated with chemicals so that only the drawn areas attract ink, allowing for a design to be repeatedly printed onto paper. Looking closely, you'll notice the image possesses a graphic directness, which is enhanced by the simplified forms and flat planes of color. The entire composition has an emphasis on draftsmanship, achieved through lithography, where line and form create dynamic tension across the surface of the artwork. As a medium, lithography democratized artmaking and illustration. It served as an important means for artists to engage with social and political issues, reaching a broad audience through posters, newspapers and journals. Here, the image offers a tender, intimate scene with a looming shadow figure in the background. So, next time you look at a print, think about the rich history of this medium and how it shapes our experience of visual culture.