Tete de Femme 1898

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this print, "Tete de Femme," capturing a woman's head in delicate lines. During Steinlen’s time, Paris was in flux, with significant social and political tensions. As we look at the woman in the print, we see more than just a face. Steinlen often depicted the working class, and while we can't be certain about this woman's background, the image is imbued with an air of everyday life rather than idealized beauty. Her gaze carries a sense of introspection. Steinlen created illustrations for journals such as Le Chat Noir that frequently addressed social inequalities. It makes you wonder about her life, her challenges, and her place in Parisian society during a period of immense change and upheaval. Steinlen does not portray her as a symbol but as an individual. Her direct gaze might prompt a moment of silent recognition between us as viewers and her as a subject.