Thunder Storm (Temps d'orage)

Art Historical Context

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen *Thunder Storm (Temps d'orage)*, created between 1851 and 1875, the raw drama of nature's fury through the intricate medium of etching and dry. This print, housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection (Department CG), showcases Steinlen's mastery as a Swiss-born French artist renowned for his evocative depictions of everyday life and social scenes during the Belle Époque. The bilingual title hints at its French cultural roots, evoking the turbulent skies over Paris or rural landscapes that Steinlen often romanticized. Etching involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching designs, and submerging in acid to etch lines, while drypoint adds direct needle scratches that raise a soft, velvety burr for rich tonal depth. Together, these techniques allow Steinlen to convey the storm's swirling clouds, jagged lightning, and shadowy figures with remarkable texture and immediacy—hallmarks of 19th-century printmaking's evolution toward expressive realism. Prints like this were vital for disseminating art widely, bridging fine art and popular culture. As part of the esteemed Rosenwald Collection, *Thunder Storm* exemplifies how Steinlen blended natural drama with subtle social commentary, inviting viewers to ponder humanity's fragility amid elemental forces. A captivating gem for print enthusiasts, it highlights the era's fascination with atmosphere and emotion in graphic arts.

About the Artist

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen · 1859–1923

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, born on November 10, 1859, in Lausanne, Switzerland, hailed from a family with artistic roots; his grandfather, Christian Gottlieb Steinlen, was a painter and draftsman. After two years studying theology at the University of Lausanne, he trained in industrial ornamental drawing in Mulhouse under Schoenhaupt and worked as a designer trainee at a textile mill. Encourage...