Gare Regulatrice 1916

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this print, Gare Regulatrice, using lithography, which is a printmaking process, and it’s all about layering and building up tone. Look at the way Steinlen renders the crowd, it’s a beautiful example of mark making, each stroke carefully placed to create form and depth. The figures emerge from the darkness, their faces obscured, their bodies blending into one another, yet somehow, Steinlen manages to capture the individuality of each person. There’s a real sense of empathy in Steinlen’s work, he reminds me of Käthe Kollwitz, they both have this incredible ability to depict the human condition with such sensitivity and compassion. Their work invites us to look closer, to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level, and to consider the stories of those who are often overlooked. Ultimately, it’s about connecting with each other through art, and recognizing our shared humanity.