Landscape of Belmont, near Lausanne 1916

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this print of the Landscape of Belmont, near Lausanne. It's a bird's eye view of a Swiss village surrounded by a peaceful rural landscape. Steinlen was a well-known figure in the Parisian art scene, but he was actually Swiss, born in Lausanne. He spent much of his career making posters and illustrations for journals. His art often reflected his socialist political views. The image here seems to be deliberately timeless, with a winding road, a church spire and farmhouses, and a very traditional composition. It might be seen as a kind of visual argument for the enduring values of the Swiss countryside. The image offers a fascinating look into Switzerland's cultural identity at the turn of the century. Scholars interested in Steinlen's prints can consult a wide range of resources to understand them better. It can be seen as a kind of visual argument for the enduring values of the Swiss countryside. His biography offers insight into his artistic choices.