Description

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, a Swiss-born French artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with his captivating works. He is particularly renowned for his depictions of Parisian Street scenes, social commentary, and his affectionate renderings of cats. Born on November 10, 1859, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Steinlen moved to Paris at twenty-one to pursue a career in art.

Steinlen’s art often reflected the socio-political climate of late 19th and early 20th century France. He captured the struggles and joys of everyday life. His works frequently portrayed the working class, depicting scenes of poverty, labor, and urban existence with empathy and sensitivity. Steinlen’s keen observation and empathy allowed him to create poignant images that resonated with viewers across social strata.
Among his most iconic works is “Un Chat sur une Palissade” (A Cat on a Fence), a charming portrayal of a cat perched atop a wooden fence, gazing into the distance. This painting captures the essence of Steinlen’s feline subject—and is imbued with personality and depth. “Un Chat sur une Palissade” is a testament to Steinlen’s fascination with cats, which permeated much of his oeuvre and earned him the affectionate moniker “the painter of cats.”

Ted Coe came across this painting when advising Mrs. George H. Bunting when visiting Durlacher Brothers & Co. in New York City. He wrote:

On a subsequent visit to Durlacher’s with Mrs. George H. Bunting, who was the volunteer director of the sales and rental gallery of the Nelson Gallery of Art, when I was the Curator of Paintings and Sculpture [at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City, MO]. I was shown a number of 17th-century paintings, and then out popped an early painting by Steinlen of the “Summer Cat” [Un Chat sur une Palissade], a painted version of one of his most famous color prints. This was not a lithograph, but a painting done at the same time as the print. Mrs. Bunting bought the painting for her daughter Karen, and years later… she wanted to sell the painting, and I acquired it from her. Ever since I have treasured this painting…. I still enjoy the tigerous touch of the background foliage and the cat’s fur coat. The eyes are also full of feminine feistiness.

In addition to Steinlen’s artistic achievements, his legacy endures through his contributions to the political and social discourse of his time. He was an active participant in the burgeoning bohemian and anarchist movements in Paris, using his art as a platform to advocate for social change and express solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed.

Today, Steinlen’s works continue to captivate audiences worldwide, their timeless appeal transcending the boundaries of time and place. “Un Chat sur une Palissade” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this prolific artist whose passion for art, advocacy, and the feline left an indelible mark.