Study of Cats 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen rendered this study of cats with ink on paper, a simple combination of materials that nonetheless reveals a great deal about the artist's process. The texture of the paper itself invites touch; you can almost feel its grain. The ink, applied with swift, sure strokes, captures the languid forms of the cats with remarkable economy. But it is the artist's hand, guided by careful observation, that truly brings these creatures to life. The immediacy of the drawing suggests a direct connection between Steinlen and his subject matter. This approach, which emphasizes the artist's skillful hand and close attention to the material world, aligns Steinlen with a long tradition of craftsmanship. His technique emphasizes the connection to the everyday, a sensitivity towards both the natural world and the lives of ordinary beings, elevating the mundane to the level of fine art.