Sweepers (1888)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Sweepers" (1888) by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen is a compelling sketch that portrays the gritty life of Parisian street sweepers in the late 19th century. This artwork captures three figures, clad in worn and loose garments, each bearing a broom. They are portrayed in mid-stride, significantly leaning forward, which imparts a sense of movement and an almost tangible weariness from their labor.The artist's use of fine, detailed lines allows us to see both the texture of the clothing and the tired yet resilient expressions on their faces. Dominating the background is a large, darkened rectangular area which starkly contrasts with the lighter, sketch-filled foreground where the figures are positioned. This contrast not only highlights the figures but also might symbolize the oppressive atmosphere or the heavy burden of their menial, everyday work.Steinlen's use of such imagery not only draws attention to the lower classes and their struggles but also evokes a deep empathy in the viewer, inviting reflections on social realities of the era. "Sweepers" is more than just a depiction of urban workers; it is a poignant commentary on social inequality and the human condition within the bustling urban landscapes of modernizing Europe.
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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.