Théophile Steinlen, "How the Black Cat Became a Beautiful White Cat", 1898, antique print from "Cats"
A witty photo of a black cat "transforming" into a white cat on a snowy day in Montmartre.
"How the Black Cat Became a Beautiful White Cat," from the collection "Des Chats" published in 1898 by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, known as the painter of cats, is a masterpiece of silent cartoon full of humor and symbolism.
On a winter day, a black cat looks out the window, then goes outside to play with a snowman. The black cat becomes so engrossed in playing that it is covered in snow and turns completely white, making it look like a "white cat." Then, in the last frame, the white cat returns to its warm cage. As if nothing had happened.
And this story continues in ``The Gray Cat and the White Magician.''
The noteworthy point of this work is that the windmill depicted in the background is the "Moulin de la Galette." It is also a symbol of Montmartre, and is a scene associated with the cabaret "Le Chat Noir" at the time. The combination of a black cat and a windmill is a true artistic icon of Paris during the Belle Époque.
Connecting the city, art, and cats through a heartwarming moment from everyday life, this work shines with Steinlen's unique poetic imagination.
Information
Artist: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
Title of work: How a black cat became a beautiful white cat (Comment a black cat with a black eye)
Year of production: 1898
Condition: Antique print, 1 piece
Size: Approx. 40 x 29 cm
Artist / Title: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen / Comment un petit chat noir peut devenir un joli chat blanc (Antique Print, 1898)
*The frame in the image is for reference only. Please contact us regarding framing.
Related links
If you would like to know more about the works, please visit Ribo Antiques' special page (separate site).
Black Cat and Steinlan (another site)
The first art book in Japan to feature Steinlen's cats, "Steinlen, the Black Cat Cartoonist," is also on sale now!
Black cat cartoonist Stanlan
All Authentic. All Original.
--All genuine, all original.
This work is an original antique print made over 100 years ago.
All works sold at Rivoli Antiques are genuine works of artistic value that were printed at the time, and are not later reproductions or copies.
Framing options
This work is usually provided unframed so that you can enjoy the original charm of the work as it is, taking into consideration the preservation of the paper and its use as a collection.
If desired, we offer a custom framing plan (additional charge) in which we will select and suggest a frame for you. We can frame your work with consideration for artistic balance, the color of the work, and harmony with your interior decor.
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The content is focused on UV-blocking acrylic and artistic harmony. For details and prices, please click here.
▶ [Framing Plan Information (PDF)]
About the condition
This work is an original antique print created over 100 years ago.
All works sold by Rivoli Antiques are genuine pieces of artistic value printed at the time, and are not later reproductions or copies.
Due to their nature, antique prints rarely come with individual certificates of authenticity like contemporary works.
Therefore, where you buy and who is in charge of selecting the works are of utmost importance.
At Rivoli Antiques, we carefully select our items based on the trust we have built through many years of collaboration with museums and experts.
We only introduce works that you can safely add to your collection.
Natural fading and stains may appear over time, but these are also proof of the era the piece has passed through and are elements that convey the texture of the materials and techniques used to create it.
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At Rivoli Antiques, we have a track record of lending works to the Tokyo National Museum and the British Museum, and we present works according to museum-level selection criteria.
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