Cat On The Floor 1902

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this print, "Cat on the Floor," by incising an image into a metal plate. It's a traditional printmaking technique, but that doesn't make it "high art". The material and processes are critical to its appearance. Etching gives it a soft, velvety texture and a range of tones. It's also a reproducible medium, meaning that many impressions can be pulled from the same plate. This speaks to the wider social context of printmaking in the late 19th century, when it became a popular form of art for the masses. Steinlen was known for his depictions of working-class life in Paris, and cats were one of his favorite subjects. By portraying this cat with such tenderness, Steinlen elevates the status of these often-overlooked creatures, giving them the same dignity and respect that he afforded his human subjects. It's a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, and that even the simplest subjects can be imbued with meaning and beauty.