Waiting (En attendant)

Art Historical Context

**Waiting (En attendant)**, a captivating lithograph created by Théophile Alexandre Stein in 1895, exemplifies the artist's mastery of printmaking during the Belle Époque. Steinlen, a Swiss-born artist who thrived in Paris, was for his empathetic depictions of everyday life, often focusing on the working class and scenes with a touch of poignant realism. This work, housed in the National Gallery of's Rosenwald Collection, a moment of quiet anticipation, inviting viewers to ponder the human experience amid the bustling fin-de-siècle city. Lithography, the medium here, was revolutionary in the late 19th century, allowing artists like Steinlen to produce vibrant, detailed images in multiples—perfect for posters and illustrations in periodicals like *Gil Blas Illustré*. Steinlen's technique blended fine lines with subtle tonal gradations, evoking emotion through simplicity. As a key figure in French poster art, he elevated the lithograph from commercial tool to artistic statement, influencing the Art Nouveau movement's decorative flair while grounding it in social observation. Held in the Prints department (CG-E), this piece from the esteemed Rosenwald Collection highlights Steinlen's enduring legacy. Visitors will appreciate how *Waiting* freezes a universal emotion, bridging personal introspection with the era's cultural vibrancy. (198 words)

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...