La Fee Aux Cheveux D'Or 1897

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this work, La Fee Aux Cheveux D'Or, using a sepia-toned lithographic crayon. The composition centers around a female figure whose flowing hair dominates the visual space, evoking a sense of ethereal beauty and movement. The surrounding dark background, punctuated with stars, adds to the dreamlike quality. Steinlen masterfully uses line and texture to define form and create depth. The strokes of the lithographic crayon vary in pressure and direction, building up layers of tone that give shape to the figure and her cascading hair. This technique not only enhances the sense of volume but also invites the viewer to explore the material qualities of the print itself. The flowing, golden hair acts as a signifier of both freedom and constraint, framing the fairy and suggesting a boundary between the earthly and spiritual realms. This interplay between form and symbolism situates Steinlen’s work within a broader dialogue about the representation of women and nature in art, where beauty becomes a powerful tool for exploring deeper cultural and philosophical themes.