Soliloque Cover 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this cover for “Soliloque” using lithography, a printmaking process that relies on the tension between greasy and water-based materials. Lithography allowed Steinlen to capture the atmosphere of urban life with a stark and graphic quality. Notice how he’s used the greasy crayon to build up rich blacks, particularly in the foreground figure, while the wetness of the lithographic ink creates a sense of atmosphere, as if a light rain is falling. The texture of the stone itself may have played a part, too. This printmaking technique was a key part of mass media and culture during Steinlen’s lifetime, allowing for the relatively inexpensive distribution of images and ideas. Steinlen was known for his commitment to socialism, and lithography was a perfect medium for the dissemination of his political beliefs. Looking at the image through the lens of its making, we can see how Steinlen’s aesthetic choices are intertwined with his social and political concerns, blurring the line between fine art and mass communication.