THÉOPHILE-ALEXANDRE STEINLEN (1859-1923) MOTHU ET DORIA. 1893. 50x37 inches, 127x94 cm. Pajol & Cie., Paris. Condition B+: expert extensive overpainting in margins; overpainting and restoration in image. "Mothu and Doria were performers who often sang the repertoire of Albert Pajol, a lyricist and publisher who commissioned the poster and four sheet music covers from Steinlen." (Steinlen p. 115). Under Steinlen's masterful guidance, this scene, ostensibly of one man lighting his cigarette from another's, becomes infused with mystery, suspense and perhaps even menace. This is the very rare black proof. Steinlen 88, Bargiel 12 (var), Crauzat 490, DFP-II 780 (var), Maitres 46 (var).
