Expositions du Chat Noir
Original lithographic poster on paper • Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (Swiss-born French, 1859–1923)
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau / Fin de Siècle
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; features flat areas of color, bold outlines, and integrated typography characteristic of the Belle Époque.
Creation Period
1896
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 140 x 100 cm (estimated from visual context); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
Promotional poster for the 'Exposition du Chat Noir', depicting a woman (likely the artist's wife, Emilie) in an oversized hat and patterned dress, resting her chin on her hands. The text advertises the exhibition at 35 Rue Fontaine and 27 Boulevard Poissonnière and references the famous Le Chat Noir cabaret.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; there appears to be some minor rippling/waving of the paper under the glass, suggesting it is not laid down or may be reacting to humidity.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 (assuming it is an original 1896 printing)
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a specialist poster dealer or auction house. No visible collector stamps from this angle, but typical for late 19th-century French ephemera.
Art Historical Significance
Steinlen was a primary figure in the Montmartre art scene. While his 1896 'Le Chat Noir' cat poster is more famous, this 'Expositions' poster is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design, showcasing his ability to blend social observation with commercial graphic art.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic 'Chat Noir' typography at the bottom and distinctive hand-lettered addresses at the top. The use of limited colors (black, beige, red/ochre, and muted blue) is a hallmark of Steinlen’s lithographic style.
Condition Issues
Visible paper undulation (cockling), potential light acidification of the paper (yellowing) towards edges, and possible old fold marks typical of posters from this era.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and UV-protected glazing. If cockling persists, a professional paper conservator could flatten the sheet using controlled humidity.