A La Trinite 1893

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this print, A La Trinite, using lithography, a process that democratized artmaking by making it more widely accessible. The image is made by drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applying ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking technique allowed for relatively quick reproduction. The effect is immediate, like a drawing, which is well-suited to capturing fleeting moments of modern life. Here, Steinlen depicts a street scene, hinting at the social realities of late 19th-century Paris. The rough, sketch-like lines give the image a sense of immediacy, drawing attention to the figures and their interactions. The choice of lithography underscores the work's connection to mass culture and the urban experience. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this print, we see how Steinlen blurred the lines between fine art and commercial illustration, using his skills to comment on society.