National Holiday 1894

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this lithograph, National Holiday, using black crayon and touches of stumping. A stark contrast between light and shadow defines the scene, lending it an almost theatrical quality. The rough, textured strokes of the lithographic crayon give a tangible sense of the gritty urban environment. The composition centres on a working-class man holding the hands of two children. His figure is monumental, illuminated against a backdrop of indistinct lights. The artist uses a combination of strong vertical lines, particularly in the man's clothing, and horizontal lines in the background setting, which gives a sense of stability and constraint, evoking the monotony of everyday life. The use of scale is significant: the man looms large, perhaps symbolizing the weight of responsibility or the oppressive forces of society. Through the interplay of light and shadow, Steinlen challenges traditional notions of celebration. The heavy lines and sombre tones suggest a subversion of the holiday's festive spirit, inviting us to question what and whom we are celebrating.