Théophile Steinlen (1)
Théophile Steinlen was more than just the guy who drew that famous black cat poster—he was a true artist of Parisian life. Born in Switzerland in 1859, he moved to the lively neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris, where he quickly became part of the local art scene. Surrounded by cabarets, poets, and performers, Steinlen found endless inspiration in the streets, people, and animals around him.
One thing Steinlen absolutely loved? Cats. He was known for rescuing strays and giving them a cozy home. In return, they became the stars of many of his artworks. His drawings and posters of cats are full of personality—sometimes elegant, sometimes mischievous, always full of charm.
But Steinlen didn’t just draw cute animals. He also used his art to shine a light on everyday life and social issues. His illustrations appeared in magazines and newspapers, showing scenes of working-class families, street life, and even political struggles. He had a big heart and wasn’t afraid to show the real side of the world.
Today, people still recognize Steinlen for Le Chat Noir, the bold, stylish poster with the black cat and glowing red halo. But if you look a little deeper, you’ll find an artist who mixed kindness, curiosity, and creativity in everything he did—one who made cats cool and turned everyday Paris into something magical.
