Affiche voor het theatercafé Le Chat Noir in Parijs 1896

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this poster to advertise the Parisian cabaret, Le Chat Noir. The image is striking, a black cat silhouetted against a yellow background, its eyes burning with feline intensity. The poster promoted the cabaret's touring show, suggesting the widespread cultural reach of Montmartre's bohemian scene. Le Chat Noir was more than just a place of entertainment, it was a hub of artistic and intellectual life in late 19th-century Paris. It was a space where artists, writers, and performers came together to experiment, to challenge social norms, and to create new forms of expression. Steinlen's poster captures the subversive spirit of the cabaret, the black cat itself a symbol of independence and defiance. To understand this image, we can consult period publications and archival records to get a sense of the cultural milieu in which it was created. We can explore the history of Montmartre, the development of the cabaret scene, and the changing role of art in public life. By placing the image in its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.