1912
ink
copper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Three Companions (Les trois compagnons) is a 1912 ink by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows three men by the water. Two stand close together, one holding a walking stick and the other a small bird. The third man sits on the ground, leaning forward with his head in his hands. The background is just rough lines for waves and sky. The artist used sharp lines to show texture—look at the coats and the water’s choppy surface. The men’s faces are simple but full of expression, especially the one sitting down. Next, check out the technique: etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like this make prints.
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.
See the richer artist page
