Théophile Steinlen, "The Story of the Cat, the Dog and the Magpie (The Stolen Thief)", 1898, antique print from "Cats"
He thought he was stealing, but ended up being stolen from him - a battle of wits between animals depicted by Steinlen.
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, a painter active in Paris at the end of the 19th century, was known for his unparalleled sophistication and humor in his observational paintings of cats. This work, "The Tale of the Cat, the Dog and the Magpie (Les Voleurs volés = The Stolen Thieves)," is one of several silent cartoons included in the 1898 publication of "Cats (Des Chats)."
One day, a dog gets a bone and takes a nap. A black cat, watching from the top of a tree, has its eye on the bone. Waiting for the right moment, the cat snatches the bone and escapes up a branch - but the story doesn't end there. Resting in the tree are more thieves, some magpies. While the cat is taking a breather, the bone is snatched by the birds, but in the end. This is truly the story of a "thief whose bone is stolen."
By alternating between quiet lines and bold black silhouettes, Steinlen effortlessly depicts the animals' bargaining. From this silent painting, rhythm, tension, and an ironic ending emerge brilliantly.
A cat, a dog, and a bird - this is a masterpiece of silent comics, depicting three different characters with different personalities.
Information
Artist: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
Title: The Tale of the Cat, the Dog and the Magpie (The Stolen Thieves)
Year of production: 1898
Condition: Antique print, 1 piece
Size: Approx. 39 x 29 cm
Artist / Title: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen / Les Voleurs volés (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 Rivoli 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
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--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.
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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.
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