Au Cantonnement 1916

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created "Au Cantonnement" using pencil and black crayon to depict a group of soldiers and a woman. Steinlen, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, operated in a milieu shaped by significant social changes and political tensions in France, as well as the rise of modernism in art. The artwork offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during times of conflict, showing the interactions between soldiers and civilians, as well as the emotional and social impact of military presence on communities. The image focuses on the role of women, often left behind or directly affected by war. Consider Steinlen's commitment to social commentary and his focus on everyday life: he used his art to explore the experiences of marginalized groups. “Art is the expression of life,” Steinlen once remarked, reflecting his belief in art's capacity to capture human experiences. This piece is a stark reminder of the personal stories woven into the larger fabric of historical events.