Les Deux Modeles 1902

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen made this drawing of two models without a date with red chalk on paper. This image allows us a glimpse into the artistic labor and social dynamics of Steinlen’s Paris. In the late 19th century, the professional art model emerged as a vital, yet often overlooked, figure. Note the vulnerable and intimate pose struck by the models. This speaks to the complex power dynamics at play in the studio. Steinlen, known for his socialist leanings, used his art to critique social inequalities. His images question the traditional art establishment which often objectified the human form, particularly the female body. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about class, gender, and the economics of the art world. To fully understand this image, we might consult archives of Parisian art schools. Through this, we can discover not only the techniques used but also the unspoken rules and social contracts that governed the artist-model relationship. This drawing serves as a reminder that art is never created in a vacuum.