La Petite Bobotte 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, an artist deeply involved in the social and political issues of his time, created this print called La Petite Bobotte. The piece reflects Steinlen's sensitivity to the lives of ordinary people, especially those marginalized by society. Here, Steinlen offers a glimpse into the societal norms of late 19th-century France, particularly the performance of class and gender through social dance. We see children dressed in miniature versions of adult clothing playing games. Their engagement in dance underscores how societal roles and expectations are learned and internalized from a young age. The rigid and repetitive nature of the dances in the image might speak to the constraints placed on individuals within the prevailing social structure. Consider Steinlen’s leftist politics and his artistic focus on the working class and marginalized communities. He frequently used his art to advocate for social justice and critique the established order. This print is less direct in its critique, but it does ask us to reflect on the ways we socialize the young and the impact these early lessons have on shaping identity and behavior.