Je L'Ai Promis a Gertrude 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this print, “Je L'Ai Promis a Gertrude,” depicting a domestic scene, likely in France. The artist was well known for his illustrations in Parisian newspapers and journals, often reflecting the social and political currents of his time. In this image, we see an elderly woman standing beside a bed in which a younger couple lies. The title translates to "I Promised it to Gertrude," suggesting a narrative element at play and raising questions about the nature of the promise and the relationships between the figures. Steinlen’s artwork reflects an era of social change and the rise of mass media. Images were now circulating in ways that shaped public opinion and challenged traditional hierarchies. To fully understand this print, we can explore the illustrated press of the period. We can also examine the social dynamics of family and relationships in late 19th-century France. In doing so, we can see Steinlen's artwork as a reflection of its own time.