Soldat et Infirmiere 1916

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made "Soldat et Infirmiere" with what looks like charcoal or crayon, giving it this raw, immediate feel. The marks are laid down so fast, like he’s trying to capture a fleeting moment. Look at the way he layers those strokes to build up the forms. There's a real weight to the darkness, especially around the soldier's face, but then there are these lighter, sketchier areas that feel almost transparent. It's like Steinlen is using the material itself to convey the weight and uncertainty of the scene. The surface is pretty rough, you can almost feel the texture of the paper. See how he’s used short, choppy marks for the shadows? It’s so gestural, so full of feeling. I’m reminded of Käthe Kollwitz, another artist who used printmaking to express a deep empathy for human suffering. Both artists remind us that artmaking can be a powerful act of witness and remembrance.