Who painted Ten Assassinations for a Penny?

Ten Assassinations for a Penny was painted by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen in 1897.

Where can I see Ten Assassinations for a Penny?

Ten Assassinations for a Penny is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ten Assassinations for a Penny?

Ten Assassinations for a Penny is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Ten Assassinations for a Penny

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen , 1897

Ten Assassinations for a Penny is a print by the Impressionist artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This lithograph shows ten shadowy figures with knives, each stabbing a different victim.

This lithograph shows ten shadowy figures with knives, each stabbing a different victim. The victims are stacked in a vertical line like a grotesque ladder. The title hints it’s a dark joke about cheap violence.

Steinlen made this for a left-wing magazine in 1897. It mocks sensational news stories aimed at the poor. The sharp lines and high contrast feel urgent, like a poster meant to shock.

It feels like a cousin to Daumier’s political cartoons. Check out Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (Swiss, 1859–1923) if you like bold, angry art.

Overview

Ten Assassinations for a Penny is a lithograph created by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen in 1897. It depicts a gruesome scene of multiple stabbings, conveying a sense of violence and gloom.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows ten shadowy figures stabbing victims stacked vertically, satirizing sensational news stories that preyed on the poor. The title suggests a dark joke about the cheapening of violence.

Technique & Style

Characterized by strong contrasts of black and white, the lithograph's sharp lines and high contrast create an urgent, shocking effect. Its style is reminiscent of the bold and incisive political cartoons of Honoré Daumier.

Context

Produced for the anarchist publication La feuille, the image was part of Steinlen's contributions to left-wing journals, commenting satirically on articles and highlighting social issues.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897 for La feuille, the print reflects the artist's advocacy for the poor and downtrodden, and was influenced by the editorial stance of the publication's editor-in-chief, Zo d'Axa.

Artist & collection

Artist

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen

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.