Riders on the Metro (c. 1890)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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This striking sketch, titled "Riders on the Metro," offers a vivid slice of urban life as seen through the eyes of renowned artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. Dating back to around 1890, this work is a superb example of Steinlen's ability to capture the essence of Parisian society with brisk, evocative strokes.In this sketch, we observe a group of passengers, presumably commuters, absorbed in their own thoughts while riding what appears to be a metro carriage. The composition is dynamic, filled with a sense of movement and subtle interaction. Steinlen employs a loose, somewhat hurried technique, reflecting perhaps the fleeting nature of a typical metro ride.Each figure is portrayed with distinct facial expressions and attire, showcasing a range of personalities and social backgrounds. Notably, their faces reflect a mix of resignation, contemplation, and fatigue—common emotions experienced by daily commuters. The artwork's slightly blurred lines suggest the motion of the metro, adding a realistic feel to the viewing experience."Riders on the Metro" serves not only as a historical snapshot of late 19th-century Paris but also as a timeless observation of human behavior in public spaces.
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Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker.
Born in Lausanne, Steinlen studied at the University of Lausanne before taking a job as a designer trainee at a textile mill in Mulhouse in eastern France. In his early twenties he was still developing his skills as a painter when he and his wife Emilie were encouraged by the painter François Bocion to move to the artistic community in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris. Once there, Steinlen was befriended by the painter Adolphe Willette who introduced him to the artistic crowd at Le Chat Noir that led to his commissions to do poster art for the cabaret owner/entertainer, Aristide Bruant and other commercial enterprises.