Clinique Chéron 1905

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this poster, Clinique Chéron, with lithographic crayon and ink; it's all about soft tones and fuzzy edges, a real hands-on feel. It reminds us that art is also about process and that the artist doesn't need to hide their working to make an impact. Check out the brown dog sitting patiently at the bottom. The color is laid down in loose strokes, almost scribbled, but then you notice how the lines get denser towards the dog's back, creating a sense of volume. It's not about perfection but about capturing a feeling, a vibe. The texture of the paper peeks through in places, adding another layer of roughness that fits the scene. I see echoes of Toulouse-Lautrec in Steinlen’s work. Both were chroniclers of modern life, finding beauty in everyday scenes and celebrating the imperfections of the human form. It’s a reminder that art is always in conversation, borrowing and building upon what came before.