L'Adieu 1916

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this evocative print, "L'Adieu," using lithography. Here, the artist uses humble materials—stone, ink, and paper—to capture the emotional weight of departure. The lithographic process, with its reliance on the artist's hand to create the image directly on the stone, gives the print an intimate, almost raw quality. You can almost feel the pressure of the crayon as it creates the deep blacks and subtle grays that define the scene. This directness, mirroring the immediacy of the moment, is also what lends the image such impact. Consider how Steinlen uses this medium to convey a wider social commentary: the toll of conflict on ordinary lives. The rough texture of the lithographic crayon echoes the harsh realities faced by those left behind. In "L'Adieu," Steinlen elevates a simple print to a powerful statement. It underscores how an understanding of materials, making, and social context, allows for a deeper appreciation. It is an appreciation that transcends traditional hierarchies of art and craft.