THÉOPHILE-ALEXANDRE STEINLEN (1859-1923) A LA BODINIÉRE. 1894. 23x30 1/4 inches, 58 1/2x76 3/4 cm. Charles Verneau, Paris. Condition B+: restored losses, repaired tears, creases and restoration in margins and along vertical fold; museum stamp and inventory number in lower left corner. Monsieur Bodinière's eponymously-named exhibition hall was connected to the Théâtre d'Application, two forums that offered a variety of shows from art exhibits to shadow plays. The exhibition hall was one of the few places in Paris where young, avant-garde artists connected with the nascent decorative arts movement could exhibit their work. Artists who were involved in poster design seemed to be particularly welcomed there, starting in 1889 with an exhibit of Chéret's work. In 1894, Steinlen, a newcomer to lithography, exhibited drawings and paintings at this show; later in the year, Bodinière also held an exhibition of work by Ibels. For his poster, Steinlen depicts two of his favorite cats (they can also be seen in Lait Pur Sterlisé). The horizontal format that Steinlen chose was exceedingly rare for the genre. This show was of key importance in establishing Steinlen as a major artist in Paris. Bargiel & Zagrodzki list several different states of this poster, which all feature the same image, but variations in the text. From the Hans Sachs Collection, with the collector's stamp on verso. Bargiel & Zagrodzki 38, Crauzat 134.
