The Dance 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made "The Dance" with crayon and charcoal, likely in France. It depicts a vibrant dance hall scene, a popular subject at the time, but Steinlen gives it a unique twist. Unlike some of his contemporaries who focused on the glamour of such places, Steinlen brings an eye for the diverse social classes mixing in this space, hinting at the era’s changing social dynamics. Look at the mix of people, from what appear to be soldiers to working-class figures. Steinlen, known for his socialist sympathies, often portrayed the lives of ordinary people, using his art to comment on social inequalities and everyday realities. The sketch-like quality adds to the immediacy, drawing us into this lively, yet perhaps precarious, social dance. To fully understand Steinlen’s work, exploring periodicals and illustrations from his time can provide invaluable context. By looking at these resources, we can learn much more about Steinlen’s role as a social observer and how his art reflected, and perhaps challenged, the norms of his time.