Le Coup de Vent 1905

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created 'Le Coup de Vent', or 'The Gust of Wind', as a drawing in an unknown year. It shows two women, caught in a gust of wind, and the style hints at the cultural context of France at the turn of the 20th century. Steinlen’s work often captured scenes of everyday life, and this piece is no exception. The sketch-like quality emphasizes a fleeting moment, typical of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. The women's clothing and hairstyles reflect the fashion of the time, offering insight into the bourgeois culture of urban France. Steinlen was known for his socialist leanings and often depicted the struggles of the working class. While this piece may not be overtly political, it resonates with a broader social awareness. Art history can use the kind of cultural ephemera found in images like this: fashion plates, newspaper illustrations, advertisements etc. These resources can help to reconstruct the social and institutional context of the art.