Steinlin at the Saint-Denis Museum of Art: Le Chat Engagé
07 Jun 2009 2 Comments
in exhibits Tags: le chat, Saint-Denis, Steinlin
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlin was an artist who managed not only to illustrate a entire period of French history, but also to give image to the spirit of a revolutionary movement, a yearning for justice and for peace that fought valiantly against insurmountable odds. There are still three weeks left to see the exposition dedicated to his work at the Museum of Art and History in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
There are the cats, of course, small sculptures and drawings and paintings, and Le Chat Noir that has been reproduced a million times over and has given new meaning to the words “in the public domain.” But you can glide by the felines very quickly. The Saint-Denis Museum of Art and History is an institution that is committed to social issues and so it is not surprising that their Steinlin exhibit heavily emphasizes the more political works in Steinlin’s life work. His illustrations for various left leaning publications and his pacifist themed drawings and paintings are truly spectacular. At times it is amazing to see the range of images, from warmly embracing women to bloody oppressors, to starving refugees, the images are provocative and powerful.
While at this exceptional museum, which is housed in a ancient Carmelite convent just a few blocks from the Saint-Denis basilica, don’t miss the collection of artifacts and artwork related to the 1871 Paris Commune. This is one of the most well-known and extensive collections on the subject, and it is well worth the visit. The tragedy of those 72 days comes to life in the many paintings depicting the fighting, the deaths and the aftermath.
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlin, chroniqueur d’une fin de siécle. Until June 29, 2009.
Commune de Paris, permanent exhibition.
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Saint-Denis
