Staande dame in zwart complet met sleep, en een gekleurde strooien hoed met zomerbloemen 1869 - 1923

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen made this sketch of a standing lady in a black dress and colourful hat, but its date is not known. The image offers a glimpse into the fashion and social customs of the late 19th or early 20th century. The woman's attire, with its elegant black dress and elaborate hat, reflects the fashion trends of the time, indicative of middle and upper-class women in Europe. The figure is captured in a moment of leisure, possibly strolling through a park or attending a social event. Steinlen was known for his social commentary, using his art to depict the lives of ordinary people and critique social inequalities. He created illustrations for journals like 'Le Chat Noir'. To understand his artistic choices better, one might look into the illustrated press, fashion magazines, and social histories of France at the turn of the century. The image speaks to the role of art in capturing and commenting on the social structures of its time.