Theophile Steinlen

Théophile Steinlen (1859-1923) was a Swiss-born artist known for his contributions to the Art Nouveau and poster movements in Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He began his career as a textile designer, but his talent for illustration and poster art quickly became evident.

Steinlen's work often featured images of everyday people, particularly those living in the poorer neighborhoods of Paris. His illustrations for magazines and newspapers, such as Le Chat Noir and L'Assiette au Beurre, often depicted scenes of workers, families, and animals. He also created posters for a variety of clients, including theaters, circuses, and political organizations.

Today, Steinlen is best known for his iconic poster "Tournee du Chat Noir," which features a black cat on a yellow background and became an instant sensation when it was first released in 1896. His legacy continues to influence modern advertising and poster art.