Artwork
Prochainement la très illustre Compagnie du Chat Noir (Poster for the Company of the Black Cat)
Prochainement la très illustre Compagnie du Chat Noir (Poster for the Company of the Black Cat) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896 by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, this color lithograph was designed as a poster for the Parisian cabaret and theatrical troupe known as Le Chat Noir. Executed on wove paper and mounted on muslin, the work exemplifies the graphic advertising of the late‑19th‑century bohemian scene.
Subject & Meaning
The central image presents a black cat, a motif Steinlen returned to throughout his career, perched on a vivid red rectangle. The cat’s head is turned toward the right, its eyes and whiskers highlighted in a lighter tone, suggesting a watchful, slightly mischievous presence that echoes the cabaret’s playful reputation.
Technique & Style
The piece employs the lithographic process, allowing Steinlen to layer flat areas of color—deep black for the feline, bright red for the text block, and a warm beige for the background. Clean lines and a restrained palette give the composition a clear hierarchy, while the stylized cursive lettering of "Rouolphe Salis" reinforces the Art Nouveau emphasis on decorative typography.
History & Provenance
Commissioned to promote the performances of Le Chat Noir, the poster circulated among the avant‑garde and anarchist circles that frequented the venue. Steinlen’s involvement linked the work to his broader output for radical publications, situating the image within the politically charged visual culture of 1890s Paris.
Context
Le Chat Noir functioned as a gathering place for artists, writers, and musicians, fostering a network of experimental art and performance. Steinlen’s poster, with its stark silhouette and bold chromatic contrast, reflects the cabaret’s blend of humor and subversive edge, aligning with the era’s fascination with urban nightlife and symbolic animal imagery.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (November 10, 1859 – December 13, 1923), was a Swiss-born French Art Nouveau painter and printmaker. He was politically engaged and collaborated with the anarchist and socialist press.
