Dec 19, 2007 - Sale 2133

Sale 2133 - Lot 136

Unsold
Estimate: $ 7,000 - $ 10,000
THÉOPHILE ALEXANDRE STEINLEN (1859-1923) A LA BODINIÉRE. 1894.
22 1/4x30 1/2 inches. Charles Verneau, Paris.
Condition B+: minor repaired tears and restoration along vertical and horizontal folds; restoration and overpainting in margins and corners; restored pin-holes in margins. Matted and framed.
Monsieur Bodiniere's eponymously named exhibition hall was connected to the Theatre 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 Cheret's work. In 1894, Steinlen, who was a newcomer to lithography, exhibited drawings and paintings at this show, and later in the year Bodiniere 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 Sterlise). The horizontal format which Steinlen chose was exceedingly rare for the genre. This show was of key importance in establishing Steinlen as a major artist in Paris. Bargiel & Zagrodsky list several different states of this poster, which all feature the same image, but variations in the text. Bargiel & Zagrodsky 38, Crauzat 134.