Théophile Steinlen

Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859–1923) was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker, celebrated as one of the definitive graphic masters of fin-de-siècle Paris. Living and working in the bohemian district of Montmartre, Steinlen became universally famous for his affectionate, incredibly expressive depictions of cats, most notably his iconic 1896 poster for the avant-garde cabaret Le Chat Noir. His prolific body of lithographs and etchings paired a deep empathy for everyday working-class Parisian life with a distinct, brilliant draftsmanship that captured the true spirit and personality of his feline subjects.