La Poupee 

This is ‘La Poupee’ by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, an artwork that invites us into the world of childhood imagination. Made during a period when the role of women was hotly debated, Steinlen here captures childhood innocence and perhaps even critiques the societal expectations placed on young girls. Note how the children, dressed in traditional clothing, are arranged in a circle, seemingly dancing around a doll, enacting a ritual or game. The doll itself, centrally placed, appears lifeless, almost like a stand-in for a human, prompting questions about the roles women are expected to play. Steinlen, known for his socialist sympathies, frequently depicted the lives of ordinary people. In ‘La Poupee’, we might find a commentary on the loss of innocence, or perhaps, the artist reflects on the societal constructs that limit potential. The cool, muted tones evoke a dreamlike state, adding to the sense of a world both familiar and surreal. As you look at the artwork, consider the relationship between play and expectation, and how these childhood games might shape our understanding of identity.